Preparation of flexible composites based on SBR as gamma shielding

Today, humans are surrounded by countless sources of gamma radiation, and therefore, radiation shielding has always been a big concern. Different methods which are generally based on the use of lead-based metal and heavy shielding materials have been developed to absorb this radiation in recent years. Lead is not a good shield due to its high cost, toxicity and weight. The purpose of this study is to produce lightweight composites with the highest protective strength based on SBR rubber. Therefore, in order to produce anti-radiation rubber, various formulations were used. For this purpose, montmorillonite (MMT) Clay and various metal oxides such as Iron Oxide (Fe2O3), Zink Oxide (ZnO), Molybdenum Oxide (MoO3), and Titanium Oxide (TiO2) were used as filler. Then, the shielding properties of the composites made with Europium (152Eu) radioactive source in the energy range of 122 to 964 keV were investigated. The shielding properties of the composites including linear attenuation coefficient, absorption rate, half-value layer (HVL), and tenth-value layer (TVL), and other properties of rubber composites were studied by different analysis including mechanical strength, hardness, TGA, SEM. Among the samples tested, the sample containing MoO3 and MMT was the best material for absorbing these rays with an absorption rate of about 99%.