Introduction to a novel gamma radiation shield utilizing polyurethane-PbO nanocomposite

Introduction to a novel gamma radiation shield utilizing polyurethane-PbO nanocomposite | Research Square window.SnipcartSettings = { analytics: { enabled: false } }; (function() { var accessVector = localStorage.getItem('access_vector') || ''; window.dataLayer = window.dataLayer || []; if (accessVector) { window.dataLayer.push({ user: { profile: { profileInfo: { snid: accessVector } } } }); } })(); (function(w,d,s,l,i){w[l]=w[l]||[];w[l].push({'gtm.start':new Date().getTime(),event:'gtm.js'});var f=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0],j=d.createElement(s),dl=l!='dataLayer'?'&l='+l:'';j.async=true;j.src='https://www.googletagmanager.com/gtm.js?id='+i+dl;f.parentNode.insertBefore(j,f);})(window,document,'script','dataLayer','GTM-K279D39R'); Browse Preprints In Review Journals COVID-19 Preprints AJE Video Bytes Research Tools Research Promotion AJE Professional Editing AJE Rubriq About Preprint Platform In Review Editorial Policies Our Team Advisory Board Help Center Sign In Submit a Preprint Cite Share Download PDF Article Introduction to a novel gamma radiation shield utilizing polyurethane-PbO nanocomposite mahdieh dorostkar, Haleh Kangarlou, Akbar Abdi Saray This is a preprint; it has not been peer reviewed by a journal. https://doi.org/ 10.21203/rs.3.rs-3562893/v1 This work is licensed under a CC BY 4.0 License Status: Published Journal Publication published 15 Jul, 2024 Read the published version in Scientific Reports → Version 1 posted 10 You are reading this latest preprint version Abstract The importance of searching for proper material against radiation hazard has been studied since the beginning of radiation perusal and understanding the fact of radiation protection. Gamma radiation protection materials usually deal with heavy elements with higher price, hard to maintain and etc. Polyurethane based materials are one the popular choices nowadays in sound and thermal insulation, their low weight properties and the most important, their fast and convenient construction ingredients; however, PU foams can be used as radiation shield as well as noise and heat resistance; due to their approachability, light weight, high resistance, comfortable construction and etc. This study is an effort in both simulation and experiment to construct and investigate the properties of Polyurethane material dopped with lead oxide, as gamma shield. The shield was considered in several weight fractions of lead and led to several samples. MCNPX 2.6 Monte Carlo code has been utilized for simulation procedure and 137 Cs has been used as gamma source in both simulation and experiment. The results have a promising response against the gamma radiation and are suitable in attenuating gamma rays. Figures Figure 1 Figure 2 Figure 3 Figure 4 Figure 5 Figure 6 Figure 7 Figure 8 1. Introduction An appropriate shielding material selection has always been challenging in radiation shielding studies. It is important to provide safe and secure environment in different radiation applications such as medical facility, research reactors, etc. Therefore, studying and developing radiation shielding material is required ( 1 , 2 ). The studies based on composite materials with different filler candidates have been investigated recently. Polymer composite shielding materials are lower in weight and cost and also flexible and durable in which leads to a proper gamma shielding material. In addition, polymer composites have some advantages over metals such as in its superiority in workability, flexibility, low cost, chemical stability, volume diminishment after use etc ( 3 – 5 ). Polymeric composites can be a great candidate in neutron shielding considering its structure which includes hydrogen and carbon atoms. Moreover, adding small amount of high atomic number material is helpful with gamma and x-ray shielding ( 6 , 7 ). Polyurethane foams (PUF) are well-known materials in industry and differ in properties due to their structure and ingredients. PUF is formed by the reaction of polyols and isocyanates. Polyurethane foams range from rigid pneumatic resins to flexible porous elastomers. Rigid PUF is used primarily as an insulating material in construction, piping, and packaging. Flexible PUF is used as a cushioning material in furniture, bedding, carpet underlay, automobiles, and packaging ( 8 ). In addition, PU foam is well-known as sound and thermal insulation ( 9 ) and can be a great eco-friendly material ( 10 ). In this study, we try to convert PUF to a great shielding material in addition to its other applications. This study is an effort to investigate the feasibility of using polyurethane foam as polymeric part of a gamma shield through simulation and experiment. 2. Materials and methods 2.1. Simulation Simulation can be a research plan in first step of every project in nuclear studies. There are several nuclear codes that can be used for particle transport and etc. in this research, MCNPX (version 2.6) Monte Carlo based code was used for particle transportation. The geometry of the experiment is simulated as below. A truncated cone was used as sample in which the radius of base and top and also height was 2.75 cm, 2.5 cm and 2 cm respectively. A 22×22×22 cm lead cube was considered as source shield in which the source is located in the middle and the beam is guided with a beam tube of 0.5 cm radius through sample. The NaI (Tl) detector (radius of 2.54 cm and height of 5.08 cm) and sample are between two lead walls of 22×24×5 cm as shown in Fig. 1 . A 137 Cs (20 mCi) is used as gamma source. The sample is located in 3 cm far from beam port and the detector has 2 cm distance from sample. Gamma particle count in entrance surface of detector and also in detectors volume was calculated through this geometry. 2.2. Experiment The related reaction of polyol synthesis schemes was presented in Fig. 2 . The two-step method included of ESFO (Epoxidation of the double bonds of sunflower oil) and reaction of opening the oxirane rings by using ethylene glycol. In addition to traditional caster oils, epoxidation of double bond and eventually the ring opening of epoxide groups are the most important reactions to introduce the hydroxyl groups into the vegetable oils’ structure (11) ( 12 ). 2.2.1. Synthesis of polyurethane rigid foam composite In order to synthesis desired polyurethane, the polyol component was reacted directly with Isoyol component via a one-step procedure. The synthetic procedure has been carried out due to the following description: The Isoyol was added to the vessel containing the polyol and stirred for several seconds in Fig. 3 set up. The Isoyol has been utilized for the foam system to obtain non-collapsing and stable foams. the mixture was poured into the open mould. The shielding material added to the mixture and stirred for several seconds till the foaming take place and the mould’s temperature increases. Free rise foaming took place in vertical direction. After constructing the foam with lead oxide as additive for gamma radiation shield properties, the obtained shielding material was located in front of experimental set up. This set up was arranged as similar as possible to simulation set up (see Fig. 1 ). Figure 12 is experimental set up considered in this study. 3. Results and discussion Gamma particle detection in detector’s interring window (see Fig. 1 ) and the calculations have been performed with obtained results. Figure 4 denoted the obtained results in simulation for considered weight fractions including counts, attention coefficient, mass attenuation coefficient, half value layer (HVL) and also tenth value layer (TVL). Error bars used in all Figure are so small (~ 10 − 6 order) in which they are under the symbol. According to the simulation results the gamma attenuation of the considered shield can increase by adding a heavy material such as PbO and can lead to construction for more investigations. Hence, the material has been constructed as mentioned in section 2.2.1 and 5 samples including one pure polyurethane foam were available. Weight fraction change led to several samples, reported in Fig. 7 , with 0.2%, 0.5%, 1% and 4% of PbO doped in polyurethane material during synthesis process. Figure 5 reports SEM results for these samples. Figures shown as A, B and C report the SEM of the polyurethane material plus PbO in scale of 20, 50 and 200 µm, respectively. In addition, figure D and E compare SEMs in scale of 100 µm in which D is polyurethane plus PbO and E represents pure polyurethane. SEM results reported a visible PbO vision which is required. Dopped PbOs are obvious in figure D. however, PbO is heavy and had a small fraction of the material to reduce the weight of the component. In addition to accessing desired SEM results, samples were tested via XRD for more precise results. XRD results for the constructed shield is reported in Fig. 6 . In which the blue curve represents the pure material of PUF and red curve is the PbO dopped sample. The PbO peaks appearing in the sample curve prove the accuracy of the SEM results. In addition to simulation results, samples have been irradiated in experimental set up shown in Fig. 7 as similar as possible to simulated set up (see Fig. 1 ). Figure 8 reports radiation shielding properties of constructed shields including counts per second, attenuation, mass attenuation coefficient, HVL and TVL results. The experiment was performed three times for each sample in 30 seconds and the average value has been utilized in these calculations. All samples were successful in attenuating the radiation, however, as it can be predicted, increasing the PbOs weight fraction can cause more shielding property. And the sample with 4% PbO has more resistance against gamma radiation. 4. Conclusion Polyurethane foam (PUF) is one the most popular polymer nano composites around the world due to its light weight, available construction ingredients and also feasibility of using recycled material for it, convenient construction in an amazing short period of time. Nevertheless, its not investigated as radiation shielding material properly yet. PUF dopped with PbO as heavy component for gamma radiation shielding material has been investigated and constructed in this study. MCNPX results shows increase in attenuation of gamma rays with enhancement of PbO weight fraction and decrease in gamma particle counts in detector. The simulation results had relative error less than 1% and were reported in Fig. 4 . Concluding simulation results and based on the acceptable results of MCNPX, the PU + PbO samples constructed through the mentioned method in section 2.2.1 and the obtained 5 samples have been radiated with 137 Cs gamma source in 30 seconds for each sample. The results of the experiment are represented in Fig. 8 . The obtained results in counts, mass attenuation coefficient (µ and µ/ρ), Half Value Layer (HVL) and Tenth Value Layer (TVL) in both simulation and experiment calculations were appropriate for shielding function and attenuating gamma radiation; and were consistent to each other. SEM images showed a uniform dispersion of the inclusions into the polymer matrix and XRD analysis revealed the presence of PbO nanoparticles in composite. And it can be concluded that at higher percentage of PbO weight fractions the value of attenuations of these nanocomposites against gamma radiation increase but it tends to saturate at much more higher weight fractions. Finally, the considered polyurethane based gamma radiation shield is not only a great radiation protection but also lower in weight and easier in construction and exhibited convenient gamma shielding properties and is a suitable gamma shield in nuclear safety of the hospital or other possible nuclear facilities and even in clothes. In which could be an appropriate substitute for traditional nuclear shielding materials. Declarations Acknowledgment This paper and the research behind it would not have been possible without the exceptional support of my supervisor Dr. Akbar Abdi Saray. Also, we would like to thank Head and staff of the Institute for considering our paper. Data availability statement: All data generated or analyzed during this study were included in this article, they are added to the Figures, as requested. References Micro Pb filled polymer composites: Theoretical, experimental and simulation results for γ-ray shielding performance. Kilicoglu, O., More, C.V., Akman, F., Dilsiz, K., Oğul, H., Kaçal, M.R., Polat, H. and Agar, O. 2022, Radiation Physics and Chemistry, Vol. 194, p. p.110039. Polymeric composite materials for radiation shielding: A review. More, C.V., Alsayed, Z., Badawi, M., Thabet, A. and Pawar, P.P. 2021, Environmental Chemistry Letters, Vol. 19(3), pp. pp.2057-2090. Improved gamma radiation shielding traits of epoxy composites: Evaluation of mass attenuation coefficient, effective atomic and electron number. Aldhuhaibat, M.J., Amana, M.S., Jubier, N.J. and Salim, A.A. 2021, Radiation Physics and Chemistry, Vol. 179, p. p.10. Radiation attenuation capability and flow characteristics of HDPE composite loaded with W, MoS2, and B4C. . Afshar, M., Morshedian, J. and Ahmadi, S. 2019, Polymer Composites, Vol. 40(1), pp. pp.149-158. Lifetime estimation of epoxy based composite materials on irradiating with gamma radiation for shielding applications,. Mamta Saiyad, N.M. Devashrayee,. 2021, Polymer Testing, Vol. 93, p. 106929. Effect of particle size, filler loadings and x-ray tube voltage on the transmitted x-ray transmission in tungsten oxide—epoxy composites. . Azman, N.N., Siddiqui, S.A., Hart, R. and Low, I.M. 2013, Applied radiation and isotopes, Vol. 71(1), pp. pp.62-67. Introducing a novel low energy gamma ray shield utilizing Polycarbonate Bismuth Oxide composite. Mehrara, R., Malekie, S., Kotahi, S.M.S. and Kashian, S. 2021, Scientific Reports, Vol. 11(1), pp. pp.1-13. Randal M. Hill. Silicone (Siloxane) Surfactants,. Encyclopedia of Physical Science and Technology (Third Edition). https://doi.org/10.1016/B0-12-227410-5/00690-6 : Academic Press, 2003, pp. 793-804. Sound absorption, thermal and mechanical behavior of polyurethane foam modified with nano silica, nano clay and crumb rubber fillers. . Gayathri, R., Vasanthakumari, R., & Padmanabhan, C. 301-308, s.l. : Int. J. Sci. Eng, 2013, Vols. Res, 4(5). Eco-Friendly of Sound-Absorbing Material Based on Polyurethane-Urea with Natural Fiber Waste. Masykuri, M., Nofitasari, H., & Rahmawati, R. D. 9-19, s.l. : Nano Hybrids and Composites, 2023, Vol. 41. Synthesis of novel high primary hydroxyl functionality polyol from sunflower oil using thiol-yne reaction and their application in polyurethane coating. Omrani, I., Farhadian, A., Babanejad, N., Shendi, H.K., Ahmadi, A. and Nabid, M.R. 2016, European Polymer Journal, Vol. 82, pp. pp.220-231. Novel biobased epoxy compounds: epoxidized sucrose esters of fatty acids. . Pan, X., Sengupta, P. and Webster, D.C. 2011, Green Chemistry, Vol. 13(4), pp. pp.965-975. Solvent and catalyst-free synthesis of sunflower oil based polyurethane through non-isocyanate route and its coatings properties. Doley, S. and Dolui, S.K. 2018, European Polymer Journal, Vol. 102, pp. pp.161-168. Additional Declarations No competing interests reported. Cite Share Download PDF Status: Published Journal Publication published 15 Jul, 2024 Read the published version in Scientific Reports → Version 1 posted Editorial decision: Revision requested 03 May, 2024 Reviewers agreed at journal 13 Jan, 2024 Reviews received at journal 16 Nov, 2023 Reviewers agreed at journal 09 Nov, 2023 Reviewers agreed at journal 09 Nov, 2023 Reviewers invited by journal 08 Nov, 2023 Editor assigned by journal 08 Nov, 2023 Editor invited by journal 08 Nov, 2023 Submission checks completed at journal 08 Nov, 2023 First submitted to journal 05 Nov, 2023 You are reading this latest preprint version Research Square lets you share your work early, gain feedback from the community, and start making changes to your manuscript prior to peer review in a journal. As a division of Research Square Company, we’re committed to making research communication faster, fairer, and more useful. We do this by developing innovative software and high quality services for the global research community. Our growing team is made up of researchers and industry professionals working together to solve the most critical problems facing scientific publishing. Also discoverable on Platform About Our Team In Review Editorial Policies Advisory Board Help Center Resources Author Services Accessibility API Access RSS feed Manage Cookie Preferences © Research Square 2026 | ISSN 2693-5015 (online) Privacy Policy Terms of Service Do Not Sell My Personal Information {"props":{"pageProps":{"initialData":{"identity":"rs-3562893","acceptedTermsAndConditions":true,"allowDirectSubmit":false,"archivedVersions":[],"articleType":"Article","associatedPublications":[],"authors":[{"id":247442285,"identity":"6c6274e4-9629-47ff-bf5f-b8b75787c93a","order_by":0,"name":"mahdieh dorostkar","email":"","orcid":"","institution":"Urmia University","correspondingAuthor":false,"prefix":"","firstName":"mahdieh","middleName":"","lastName":"dorostkar","suffix":""},{"id":247442286,"identity":"e8a9e461-1352-47a1-86a8-046a45e7c7e4","order_by":1,"name":"Haleh Kangarlou","email":"","orcid":"","institution":"Islamic Azad University","correspondingAuthor":false,"prefix":"","firstName":"Haleh","middleName":"","lastName":"Kangarlou","suffix":""},{"id":247442287,"identity":"e5bda395-6eaa-4350-8715-9dce9e6b0ed5","order_by":2,"name":"Akbar Abdi Saray","email":"data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAAZAAAAAyAQMAAABI0h/eAAAABlBMVEX///8AAABVwtN+AAAACXBIWXMAAA7EAAAOxAGVKw4bAAAA1UlEQVRIiWNgGAWjYBACNh4GBmYGNgk5EOcAWIiZgBZ+qBZj4rVI9oC1MCQ2EO0wgzMHGD8XlFmkb7h9OvHADwY7eQZ23gf4tZxtYJaecU4id8O53A0HexiSDRuY2Q3waznPwCDN2wbUcoZ3wwEeBuYEBmY2/A6zP8/A/BuoJd0AqOXgH4Z6wlqADmMD2ZIA0nKYh+EwEVrOHGyzBvrFcCZIi4zBccM2wlqSD98uKKuT5zvDu/njm4pqeX7+Y/i1MDAwNiCbAEwPhDSMglEwCkbBKCAMAIAMPYyXiBoXAAAAAElFTkSuQmCC","orcid":"","institution":"Urmia University","correspondingAuthor":true,"prefix":"","firstName":"Akbar","middleName":"Abdi","lastName":"Saray","suffix":""}],"badges":[],"createdAt":"2023-11-05 14:14:29","currentVersionCode":1,"declarations":"","doi":"10.21203/rs.3.rs-3562893/v1","doiUrl":"https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-3562893/v1","draftVersion":[],"editorialEvents":[{"content":"https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-024-67031-8","type":"published","date":"2024-07-15T16:04:59+00:00"}],"editorialNote":"","failedWorkflow":false,"files":[{"id":46257568,"identity":"1c6d9ad6-6ede-47ae-89f3-96dad54bfc24","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2023-11-11 03:29:47","extension":"png","order_by":1,"title":"Figure 1","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"figure","size":230895,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"\u003cp\u003eConsidered geometry in MCNP simulation.\u003c/p\u003e","description":"","filename":"1.png","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-3562893/v1/2b6e5e776249d46f237c91a4.png"},{"id":46257575,"identity":"9858c9da-2a62-4428-8a0f-812b4274add6","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2023-11-11 03:29:47","extension":"png","order_by":2,"title":"Figure 2","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"figure","size":274766,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"\u003cp\u003eReaction\u003c/p\u003e","description":"","filename":"2.png","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-3562893/v1/754e9b28355b062c6715316e.png"},{"id":46258137,"identity":"3c5e2d99-505c-43e7-afdd-322e61728330","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2023-11-11 03:37:47","extension":"png","order_by":3,"title":"Figure 3","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"figure","size":324725,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"\u003cp\u003eMixing process of Polyol and Isoyol\u003c/p\u003e","description":"","filename":"3.png","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-3562893/v1/8b610083e0d31e051292b36b.png"},{"id":46257567,"identity":"f8a22c84-02ff-4673-becd-245de2e21062","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2023-11-11 03:29:47","extension":"png","order_by":4,"title":"Figure 4","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"figure","size":99763,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"\u003cp\u003eGamma radiation shielding properties of the samples simulated in MCNPX.\u003c/p\u003e","description":"","filename":"4.png","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-3562893/v1/bbba3e95c14e68dc6f81d1c9.png"},{"id":46257572,"identity":"a5c59b2a-9244-4b79-b297-b56806b9a73e","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2023-11-11 03:29:47","extension":"png","order_by":5,"title":"Figure 5","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"figure","size":863882,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"\u003cp\u003eSEM results for generated samples in different scales\u003c/p\u003e","description":"","filename":"5.png","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-3562893/v1/7ce4faf0a820e06b78c24b27.png"},{"id":46258135,"identity":"b9730b1a-24e8-4ab0-8c1f-f69e443b6eb3","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2023-11-11 03:37:47","extension":"png","order_by":6,"title":"Figure 6","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"figure","size":84863,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"\u003cp\u003eXRD spectra for pure and dopped sample\u003c/p\u003e","description":"","filename":"6.png","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-3562893/v1/12548c78cdc36463ca2c68f8.png"},{"id":46258627,"identity":"ec0f7537-99a1-41f9-bb21-f14316cf8a18","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2023-11-11 03:45:47","extension":"png","order_by":7,"title":"Figure 7","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"figure","size":651281,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"\u003cp\u003eExperimental Set up\u003c/p\u003e","description":"","filename":"7.png","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-3562893/v1/93c7ab2469b3254057efd49a.png"},{"id":46257570,"identity":"6dabc528-2283-44ea-b65b-ae5fbc5bc3c3","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2023-11-11 03:29:47","extension":"png","order_by":8,"title":"Figure 8","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"figure","size":104181,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"\u003cp\u003eRadiation shielding properties of the constructed shields in experiment utilizing \u003csup\u003e137\u003c/sup\u003eCs gamma source\u003c/p\u003e","description":"","filename":"8.png","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-3562893/v1/0168f77b384403359a9a0a5e.png"},{"id":61594698,"identity":"76afb120-6de8-4a79-a306-d201b6c24697","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2024-08-01 17:16:10","extension":"pdf","order_by":0,"title":"","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"manuscript-pdf","size":2981842,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"","description":"","filename":"manuscript.pdf","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-3562893/v1/3d9f7d88-7954-452d-ab1e-bf230bdf2e8e.pdf"}],"financialInterests":"No competing interests reported.","formattedTitle":"Introduction to a novel gamma radiation shield utilizing polyurethane-PbO nanocomposite","fulltext":[{"header":"1. Introduction","content":"\u003cp\u003eAn appropriate shielding material selection has always been challenging in radiation shielding studies. It is important to provide safe and secure environment in different radiation applications such as medical facility, research reactors, etc. Therefore, studying and developing radiation shielding material is required (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR1\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e1\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR2\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2\u003c/span\u003e). The studies based on composite materials with different filler candidates have been investigated recently. Polymer composite shielding materials are lower in weight and cost and also flexible and durable in which leads to a proper gamma shielding material. In addition, polymer composites have some advantages over metals such as in its superiority in workability, flexibility, low cost, chemical stability, volume diminishment after use etc (\u003cspan additionalcitationids=\"CR4\" citationid=\"CR3\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e3\u003c/span\u003e\u0026ndash;\u003cspan citationid=\"CR5\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e5\u003c/span\u003e).\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003ePolymeric composites can be a great candidate in neutron shielding considering its structure which includes hydrogen and carbon atoms. Moreover, adding small amount of high atomic number material is helpful with gamma and x-ray shielding (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR6\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e6\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR7\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e7\u003c/span\u003e).\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003ePolyurethane foams (PUF) are well-known materials in industry and differ in properties due to their structure and ingredients. PUF is formed by the reaction of polyols and isocyanates. Polyurethane foams range from rigid pneumatic resins to flexible porous elastomers. Rigid PUF is used primarily as an insulating material in construction, piping, and packaging. Flexible PUF is used as a cushioning material in furniture, bedding, carpet underlay, automobiles, and packaging (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR8\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e8\u003c/span\u003e). In addition, PU foam is well-known as sound and thermal insulation (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR9\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e9\u003c/span\u003e) and can be a great eco-friendly material (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR10\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e10\u003c/span\u003e). In this study, we try to convert PUF to a great shielding material in addition to its other applications.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThis study is an effort to investigate the feasibility of using polyurethane foam as polymeric part of a gamma shield through simulation and experiment.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"2. Materials and methods","content":"\u003cdiv id=\"Sec3\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003e2.1. Simulation\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eSimulation can be a research plan in first step of every project in nuclear studies. There are several nuclear codes that can be used for particle transport and etc. in this research, MCNPX (version 2.6) Monte Carlo based code was used for particle transportation. The geometry of the experiment is simulated as below.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eA truncated cone was used as sample in which the radius of base and top and also height was 2.75 cm, 2.5 cm and 2 cm respectively. A 22\u0026times;22\u0026times;22 cm lead cube was considered as source shield in which the source is located in the middle and the beam is guided with a beam tube of 0.5 cm radius through sample. The NaI (Tl) detector (radius of 2.54 cm and height of 5.08 cm) and sample are between two lead walls of 22\u0026times;24\u0026times;5 cm as shown in Fig.\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Fig1\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e1\u003c/span\u003e. A \u003csup\u003e137\u003c/sup\u003eCs (20 mCi) is used as gamma source. The sample is located in 3 cm far from beam port and the detector has 2 cm distance from sample. Gamma particle count in entrance surface of detector and also in detectors volume was calculated through this geometry.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec4\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003e2.2. Experiment\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe related reaction of polyol synthesis schemes was presented in Fig.\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Fig2\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e2\u003c/span\u003e. The two-step method included of ESFO (Epoxidation of the double bonds of sunflower oil) and reaction of opening the oxirane rings by using ethylene glycol. In addition to traditional caster oils, epoxidation of double bond and eventually the ring opening of epoxide groups are the most important reactions to introduce the hydroxyl groups into the vegetable oils\u0026rsquo; structure (11) (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR12\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e12\u003c/span\u003e).\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec5\" class=\"Section3\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003e2.2.1. Synthesis of polyurethane rigid foam composite\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eIn order to synthesis desired polyurethane, the polyol component was reacted directly with Isoyol component via a one-step procedure. The synthetic procedure has been carried out due to the following description: The Isoyol was added to the vessel containing the polyol and stirred for several seconds in Fig.\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Fig3\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e3\u003c/span\u003e set up. The Isoyol has been utilized for the foam system to obtain non-collapsing and stable foams. the mixture was poured into the open mould. The shielding material added to the mixture and stirred for several seconds till the foaming take place and the mould\u0026rsquo;s temperature increases. Free rise foaming took place in vertical direction.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eAfter constructing the foam with lead oxide as additive for gamma radiation shield properties, the obtained shielding material was located in front of experimental set up. This set up was arranged as similar as possible to simulation set up (see Fig.\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Fig1\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e1\u003c/span\u003e). Figure\u0026nbsp;12 is experimental set up considered in this study.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003c/div\u003e"},{"header":"3. Results and discussion","content":"\u003cp\u003eGamma particle detection in detector\u0026rsquo;s interring window (see Fig.\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Fig1\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e1\u003c/span\u003e) and the calculations have been performed with obtained results. Figure\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Fig4\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e4\u003c/span\u003e denoted the obtained results in simulation for considered weight fractions including counts, attention coefficient, mass attenuation coefficient, half value layer (HVL) and also tenth value layer (TVL).\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eError bars used in all Figure are so small (~\u0026thinsp;10\u003csup\u003e\u0026minus;\u0026thinsp;6\u003c/sup\u003e order) in which they are under the symbol.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eAccording to the simulation results the gamma attenuation of the considered shield can increase by adding a heavy material such as PbO and can lead to construction for more investigations. Hence, the material has been constructed as mentioned in section 2.2.1 and 5 samples including one pure polyurethane foam were available. Weight fraction change led to several samples, reported in Fig.\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Fig7\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e7\u003c/span\u003e, with 0.2%, 0.5%, 1% and 4% of PbO doped in polyurethane material during synthesis process.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eFigure \u003cspan refid=\"Fig5\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e5\u003c/span\u003e reports SEM results for these samples. Figures shown as A, B and C report the SEM of the polyurethane material plus PbO in scale of 20, 50 and 200 \u0026micro;m, respectively. In addition, figure D and E compare SEMs in scale of 100 \u0026micro;m in which D is polyurethane plus PbO and E represents pure polyurethane.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eSEM results reported a visible PbO vision which is required. Dopped PbOs are obvious in figure D. however, PbO is heavy and had a small fraction of the material to reduce the weight of the component. In addition to accessing desired SEM results, samples were tested via XRD for more precise results. XRD results for the constructed shield is reported in Fig.\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Fig6\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e6\u003c/span\u003e.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eIn which the blue curve represents the pure material of PUF and red curve is the PbO dopped sample. The PbO peaks appearing in the sample curve prove the accuracy of the SEM results.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eIn addition to simulation results, samples have been irradiated in experimental set up shown in Fig.\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Fig7\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e7\u003c/span\u003e as similar as possible to simulated set up (see Fig.\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Fig1\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e1\u003c/span\u003e).\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eFigure \u003cspan refid=\"Fig8\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e8\u003c/span\u003e reports radiation shielding properties of constructed shields including counts per second, attenuation, mass attenuation coefficient, HVL and TVL results.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe experiment was performed three times for each sample in 30 seconds and the average value has been utilized in these calculations. All samples were successful in attenuating the radiation, however, as it can be predicted, increasing the PbOs weight fraction can cause more shielding property. And the sample with 4% PbO has more resistance against gamma radiation.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"4. Conclusion","content":"\u003cp\u003ePolyurethane foam (PUF) is one the most popular polymer nano composites around the world due to its light weight, available construction ingredients and also feasibility of using recycled material for it, convenient construction in an amazing short period of time. Nevertheless, its not investigated as radiation shielding material properly yet.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003ePUF dopped with PbO as heavy component for gamma radiation shielding material has been investigated and constructed in this study. MCNPX results shows increase in attenuation of gamma rays with enhancement of PbO weight fraction and decrease in gamma particle counts in detector. The simulation results had relative error less than 1% and were reported in Fig.\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Fig4\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e4\u003c/span\u003e.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eConcluding simulation results and based on the acceptable results of MCNPX, the PU\u0026thinsp;+\u0026thinsp;PbO samples constructed through the mentioned method in section 2.2.1 and the obtained 5 samples have been radiated with \u003csup\u003e137\u003c/sup\u003eCs gamma source in 30 seconds for each sample. The results of the experiment are represented in Fig.\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Fig8\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e8\u003c/span\u003e.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe obtained results in counts, mass attenuation coefficient (\u0026micro; and \u0026micro;/ρ), Half Value Layer (HVL) and Tenth Value Layer (TVL) in both simulation and experiment calculations were appropriate for shielding function and attenuating gamma radiation; and were consistent to each other. SEM images showed a uniform dispersion of the inclusions into the polymer matrix and XRD analysis revealed the presence of PbO nanoparticles in composite. And it can be concluded that at higher percentage of PbO weight fractions the value of attenuations of these nanocomposites against gamma radiation increase but it tends to saturate at much more higher weight fractions.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eFinally, the considered polyurethane based gamma radiation shield is not only a great radiation protection but also lower in weight and easier in construction and exhibited convenient gamma shielding properties and is a suitable gamma shield in nuclear safety of the hospital or other possible nuclear facilities and even in clothes. In which could be an appropriate substitute for traditional nuclear shielding materials.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"Declarations","content":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAcknowledgment\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis paper and the research behind it would not have been possible without the exceptional support of my supervisor Dr. Akbar Abdi Saray. Also, we would like to thank Head and staff of the Institute for considering our paper.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eData availability statement:\u003c/strong\u003e All data generated or analyzed during this study were included in this article, they are added to the Figures, as requested.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"References","content":"\u003col\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cem\u003eMicro Pb filled polymer composites: Theoretical, experimental and simulation results for \u0026gamma;-ray shielding performance. \u003c/em\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eKilicoglu, O., More, C.V., Akman, F., Dilsiz, K., Oğul, H., Ka\u0026ccedil;al, M.R., Polat, H. and Agar, O.\u003c/strong\u003e 2022, Radiation Physics and Chemistry, Vol. 194, p. p.110039.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cem\u003ePolymeric composite materials for radiation shielding: A review. \u003c/em\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMore, C.V., Alsayed, Z., Badawi, M., Thabet, A. and Pawar, P.P.\u003c/strong\u003e 2021, Environmental Chemistry Letters, Vol. 19(3), pp. pp.2057-2090.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cem\u003eImproved gamma radiation shielding traits of epoxy composites: Evaluation of mass attenuation coefficient, effective atomic and electron number. \u003c/em\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAldhuhaibat, M.J., Amana, M.S., Jubier, N.J. and Salim, A.A.\u003c/strong\u003e 2021, Radiation Physics and Chemistry, Vol. 179, p. p.10.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cem\u003eRadiation attenuation capability and flow characteristics of HDPE composite loaded with W, MoS2, and B4C. . \u003c/em\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAfshar, M., Morshedian, J. and Ahmadi, S.\u003c/strong\u003e 2019, Polymer Composites, Vol. 40(1), pp. pp.149-158.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cem\u003eLifetime estimation of epoxy based composite materials on irradiating with gamma radiation for shielding applications,. \u003c/em\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMamta Saiyad, N.M. Devashrayee,.\u003c/strong\u003e 2021, Polymer Testing, Vol. 93, p. 106929.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cem\u003eEffect of particle size, filler loadings and x-ray tube voltage on the transmitted x-ray transmission in tungsten oxide\u0026mdash;epoxy composites. . \u003c/em\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAzman, N.N., Siddiqui, S.A., Hart, R. and Low, I.M.\u003c/strong\u003e 2013, Applied radiation and isotopes, Vol. 71(1), pp. pp.62-67.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cem\u003eIntroducing a novel low energy gamma ray shield utilizing Polycarbonate Bismuth Oxide composite. \u003c/em\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMehrara, R., Malekie, S., Kotahi, S.M.S. and Kashian, S.\u003c/strong\u003e 2021, Scientific Reports, Vol. 11(1), pp. pp.1-13.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRandal M. Hill.\u003c/strong\u003e Silicone (Siloxane) Surfactants,. \u003cem\u003eEncyclopedia of Physical Science and Technology (Third Edition). \u003c/em\u003ehttps://doi.org/10.1016/B0-12-227410-5/00690-6 : Academic Press, 2003, pp. 793-804.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cem\u003eSound absorption, thermal and mechanical behavior of polyurethane foam modified with nano silica, nano clay and crumb rubber fillers. . \u003c/em\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGayathri, R., Vasanthakumari, R., \u0026amp; Padmanabhan, C.\u003c/strong\u003e 301-308, s.l. : Int. J. Sci. Eng, 2013, Vols. Res, 4(5).\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cem\u003eEco-Friendly of Sound-Absorbing Material Based on Polyurethane-Urea with Natural Fiber Waste. \u003c/em\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMasykuri, M., Nofitasari, H., \u0026amp; Rahmawati, R. D.\u003c/strong\u003e 9-19, s.l. : Nano Hybrids and Composites, 2023, Vol. 41.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cem\u003eSynthesis of novel high primary hydroxyl functionality polyol from sunflower oil using thiol-yne reaction and their application in polyurethane coating. \u003c/em\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOmrani, I., Farhadian, A., Babanejad, N., Shendi, H.K., Ahmadi, A. and Nabid, M.R.\u003c/strong\u003e 2016, European Polymer Journal, Vol. 82, pp. pp.220-231.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cem\u003eNovel biobased epoxy compounds: epoxidized sucrose esters of fatty acids. . \u003c/em\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePan, X., Sengupta, P. and Webster, D.C.\u003c/strong\u003e 2011, Green Chemistry, Vol. 13(4), pp. pp.965-975.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cem\u003eSolvent and catalyst-free synthesis of sunflower oil based polyurethane through non-isocyanate route and its coatings properties. \u003c/em\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDoley, S. and Dolui, S.K.\u003c/strong\u003e 2018, European Polymer Journal, Vol. 102, pp. pp.161-168.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ol\u003e"}],"fulltextSource":"","fullText":"","funders":[],"hasAdminPriorityOnWorkflow":false,"hasManuscriptDocX":true,"hasOptedInToPreprint":true,"hasPassedJournalQc":"","hasAnyPriority":false,"hideJournal":false,"highlight":"","institution":"","isAcceptedByJournal":true,"isAuthorSuppliedPdf":false,"isDeskRejected":"","isHiddenFromSearch":false,"isInQc":false,"isInWorkflow":false,"isPdf":false,"isPdfUpToDate":true,"isWithdrawnOrRetracted":false,"journal":{"display":true,"email":"[email protected]","identity":"scientific-reports","isNatureJournal":false,"hasQc":true,"allowDirectSubmit":false,"externalIdentity":"scirep","sideBox":"Learn more about [Scientific Reports](http://www.nature.com/srep/)","snPcode":"","submissionUrl":"","title":"Scientific Reports","twitterHandle":"","acdcEnabled":true,"dfaEnabled":true,"editorialSystem":"stoa","reportingPortfolio":"Scientific Reports","inReviewEnabled":true,"inReviewRevisionsEnabled":true},"keywords":"","lastPublishedDoi":"10.21203/rs.3.rs-3562893/v1","lastPublishedDoiUrl":"https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-3562893/v1","license":{"name":"CC BY 4.0","url":"https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/"},"manuscriptAbstract":"\u003cp\u003eThe importance of searching for proper material against radiation hazard has been studied since the beginning of radiation perusal and understanding the fact of radiation protection. Gamma radiation protection materials usually deal with heavy elements with higher price, hard to maintain and etc. Polyurethane based materials are one the popular choices nowadays in sound and thermal insulation, their low weight properties and the most important, their fast and convenient construction ingredients; however, PU foams can be used as radiation shield as well as noise and heat resistance; due to their approachability, light weight, high resistance, comfortable construction and etc.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThis study is an effort in both simulation and experiment to construct and investigate the properties of Polyurethane material dopped with lead oxide, as gamma shield. The shield was considered in several weight fractions of lead and led to several samples. MCNPX 2.6 Monte Carlo code has been utilized for simulation procedure and \u003csup\u003e137\u003c/sup\u003eCs has been used as gamma source in both simulation and experiment.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe results have a promising response against the gamma radiation and are suitable in attenuating gamma rays.\u003c/p\u003e","manuscriptTitle":"Introduction to a novel gamma radiation shield utilizing polyurethane-PbO nanocomposite","msid":"","msnumber":"","nonDraftVersions":[{"code":1,"date":"2023-11-11 03:29:42","doi":"10.21203/rs.3.rs-3562893/v1","editorialEvents":[{"type":"communityComments","content":0},{"type":"decision","content":"Revision requested","date":"2024-05-03T22:59:26+00:00","index":"","fulltext":""},{"type":"reviewerAgreed","content":"137bce71-bc1f-44ae-bba7-832ee5272f07","date":"2024-01-13T15:14:13+00:00","index":"hide","fulltext":""},{"type":"editorInvitedReview","content":"","date":"2023-11-16T17:16:18+00:00","index":"hide","fulltext":""},{"type":"reviewerAgreed","content":"79dcbdf1-ea9a-497a-8b3a-c94d4aaf7941","date":"2023-11-09T12:34:45+00:00","index":"hide","fulltext":""},{"type":"reviewerAgreed","content":"05e200d9-406d-4d50-aac0-42eb9c975e0d","date":"2023-11-09T07:34:19+00:00","index":"hide","fulltext":""},{"type":"reviewersInvited","content":"","date":"2023-11-09T04:07:40+00:00","index":"","fulltext":""},{"type":"editorAssigned","content":"","date":"2023-11-09T03:56:39+00:00","index":"","fulltext":""},{"type":"editorInvited","content":"","date":"2023-11-09T03:39:42+00:00","index":"","fulltext":""},{"type":"checksComplete","content":"","date":"2023-11-09T03:38:31+00:00","index":"","fulltext":""},{"type":"submitted","content":"Scientific Reports","date":"2023-11-05T14:10:51+00:00","index":"","fulltext":""}],"status":"published","journal":{"display":true,"email":"[email protected]","identity":"scientific-reports","isNatureJournal":false,"hasQc":true,"allowDirectSubmit":false,"externalIdentity":"scirep","sideBox":"Learn more about [Scientific Reports](http://www.nature.com/srep/)","snPcode":"","submissionUrl":"","title":"Scientific Reports","twitterHandle":"","acdcEnabled":true,"dfaEnabled":true,"editorialSystem":"stoa","reportingPortfolio":"Scientific Reports","inReviewEnabled":true,"inReviewRevisionsEnabled":true}}],"origin":"","ownerIdentity":"f5b20e0c-0085-4ea1-a260-b14087204f32","owner":[],"postedDate":"November 11th, 2023","published":true,"recentEditorialEvents":[],"rejectedJournal":[],"revision":"","amendment":"","status":"published-in-journal","subjectAreas":[],"tags":[],"updatedAt":"2024-08-01T16:15:17+00:00","versionOfRecord":{"articleIdentity":"rs-3562893","link":"https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-024-67031-8","journal":{"identity":"scientific-reports","isVorOnly":false,"title":"Scientific Reports"},"publishedOn":"2024-07-15 16:04:59","publishedOnDateReadable":"July 15th, 2024"},"versionCreatedAt":"2023-11-11 03:29:42","video":"","vorDoi":"10.1038/s41598-024-67031-8","vorDoiUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-024-67031-8","workflowStages":[]},"version":"v1","identity":"rs-3562893","journalConfig":"researchsquare"},"__N_SSP":true},"page":"/article/[identity]/[[...version]]","query":{"redirect":"/article/rs-3562893","identity":"rs-3562893","version":["v1"]},"buildId":"J0_U0BvcaRcwD8yVFaRlm","isFallback":false,"isExperimentalCompile":false,"dynamicIds":[84888],"gssp":true,"scriptLoader":[]}