Electron and Gamma-Ray Shielding Performance of Glass Fiber-Reinforced Polyester Composites With Inorganic Fillers

Abstract

The research into polymer-based composites augmented with functional fillers has been accelerated by the growing demand for lightweight, lead-free materials in radiation shielding applications. The gamma and electron radiation attenuation performance of glass fiber-reinforced unsaturated polyester (GRP) composites is examined in this study. The composites are incorporated with a variety of inorganic fillers, such as aluminum trihydroxide (ATH), ammonium polyphosphate (APP), zinc borate (ZnB), and antimony trioxide (Sb2O3), both individually and in binary combinations. The hand lay-up technique was employed to fabricate composite samples, which were subsequently characterized using X-ray Diffraction (XRD) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). Gamma and electron shielding tests were also conducted. The linear attenuation coefficient, mass attenuation coefficient, half-value layer (HVL), tenth-value layer (TVL), mean free path (MFP), and effective atomic number (Zeff) were all calculated, and the gamma attenuation properties were assessed over a broad energy range (81-1408 keV). In particular, composites containing Sb2O3 and ZnB, particularly GRP5 and GRP8, exhibited superior shielding performance, particularly at lower photon energies where photoelectric absorption is predominant. Experimental measurements were employed to evaluate the electron shielding efficacy of Sb2O3-based composites, which demonstrated the most effective performance within the 4-18 MeV range. The study emphasizes the synergistic potential of combining high-Z inorganic fillers to create multifunctional composites that are compatible with structural shielding applications, radiotherapy facilities, and nuclear medicine. These composites offer a viable alternative to traditional materials such as lead, providing enhanced safety, reduced weight, and mechanical robustness. The results contribute to the development of shielding technologies that are both sustainable and tailored to specific applications.