Flexible and Lightweight WO

Gamma rays are extensively used in medical, industrial, and scientific fields. Hence there is a rising need for shielding materials. Conventional shielding materials such as lead are highly effective but suffer from major drawbacks including high density, rigidity, and toxicity. This issue calls for a replacement with a suitable alternative like polymer composites. This paper focuses on the gamma radiation shielding efficiency of liquid silicone rubber composites reinforced with WO2 and Gd2O3 particles. The samples were fabricated by the open mold method by fixing WO2 content to 40 phr, and by varying Gd2O3 loading from 10-70 phr. FESEM analysis revealed the even distribution of the filler components. The EDX spectra confirmed the presence of the expected elements. The FTIR results illustrate the absence of a chemical reaction in the matrix of the rubber. Mechanical testing carried out using a universal testing machine showed an increase in tensile strength and hardness values, while elongation at break decreased with an increase in filler content. Gamma attenuation properties were evaluated using 133Ba and 137Cs gamma sources having energies of 80, 356, and 662 keV respectively. There was a substantial increase in Linear and Mass Attenuation Coefficients (LAC & MAC), and a decrease in the Half-Value Layer (HVL) thickness, establishing better shielding efficiency. Notably, the highest filled composite showed better shielding properties than lead at 80 keV with MAC values of 3.2 cm2/g, establishing their use as efficient radiation shielding materials in the medical field.