Nanoparticles Show Promise in Radiation Shielding Applications

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Research conducted by a team of scientists from Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University in Dammam, Saudi Arabia, has demonstrated the potential of nanoparticles in radiation shielding. The study, published in the journal Radiation Physics and Chemistry, highlighted the effectiveness of ferrite nanoparticles with spinel nickel and zinc cations in reducing radiation exposure. The researchers synthesized the nanoparticles using a melt-processing technique and inserted them into a polystyrene polymer. The resulting nanocomposites exhibited enhanced radiation shielding properties, with the linear attenuation coefficient increasing by up to 6.933 cm^-1 at 15 keV.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study demonstrated the potential of ferrite nanoparticles with spinel nickel and zinc cations in radiation shielding applications.
  • The synthesized nanoparticles were inserted into a polystyrene polymer using a melt-processing technique, resulting in nanocomposites with enhanced radiation shielding properties.
  • The linear attenuation coefficient of the nanocomposites increased by up to 6.933 cm^-1 at 15 keV, indicating improved radiation absorption.
  • The study used a range of characterization techniques, including X-ray analysis, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and thermogravimetric analysis, to examine the structural, morphological, and thermal properties of the nanocomposites.
  • The research concluded that the enhancement in the linear attenuation coefficient decreases the half value thickness of the fabricated composites to 0.10, 2.10, and 4.94 cm at 15, 59.5, and 244 keV, respectively.
  • The study included the work of additional authors, including Mohammad Marashdeh, Hanan Akhdar, Fawzy Hammad Sallam, M. Rashad, M. I. Sayyed, and Mohamed Tharwat.

Statistics:

  • The Ni concentration increased by up to 2.3 wt% in the fabricated composite samples.
  • The density of fabricated composites increased by up to 1.211 g/cm^3, respectively.
  • The linear attenuation coefficient of fabricated composites increased by up to 6.933 cm^-1 (at 15 keV), 0.330 cm^-1 (at 59.5 keV), and 0.140 cm^-1 (at 244 keV), respectively.
  • The half value thickness of fabricated composites decreased to 0.10, 2.10, and 4.94 cm at 15, 59.5, and 244 keV, respectively.

Sources:

  • NewsRx. Studies from Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University Have Provided New Information about Nanoparticles (Polymeric Gamma Rays Shield Promoted By Ferrite Nanoparticles Synthesized With Ni and Zn Cations). Nanotechnology Weekly. July 7, 2025; p 5533.
  • Polymeric Gamma Rays Shield Promoted By Ferrite Nanoparticles Synthesized With Ni and Zn Cations. Radiation Physics and Chemistry, 2025;232.
  • Radiation Physics and Chemistry. Pergamon-elsevier Science Ltd, The Boulevard, Langford Lane, Kidlington, Oxford OX5 1GB, England. (Elsevier - www.elsevier.com; Radiation Physics and Chemistry - www.journals.elsevier.com/radiation-physics-and-chemistry/)