Fabrication and characterization of GdxFe2O3(100-x) /PVA (x=0, 5, 10, 20) composite films for radiation shielding

Highlights: • Purpose of this study is to investigate effect of gadolinium (Gd) content of GdxFe2O3(100-x), (x=0, 5, 10, 15, 20) composite system on structural, thermal, optical and radiation shielding of poly (vinyl alchool) PVA based nanocomposite film. • The characterization of these powders have been obtained by using X-ray diffractometer (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and Uv–vis spectrometer. • The irradiation properties of 6 MeV energized X-ray via cLINAC to obtain radiation shielding performance. • By using obtained results, the Linear Attenuation Coefficient (LAC), Half Value Layer (HVL), Tenth Value Layer(TVL), Mass Attenuation Coefficient(MAC). • Also, theoretically Zeff values have been calculated. Purpose of this study is to investigate effect of gadolinium (Gd) content of GdxFe2O3(100-x), (x = 0, 5, 10, 20) composite system on structural, thermal, optical and radiation protection of poly (vinyl alchool) PVA based nanocomposite film. In this study, Gd doped Fe₂O₃ nanopowders (with Gd = 0, 5, 10 and 20) were synthesized by spray pyrolysis method. The characterization of these powders have been obtained by using X-ray diffractometer (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and Uv–vis spectrometer. After then, GdxFe₂O₃(100-x)/PVA (x = 0, 5, 10, 20) polymer composite systems were prepared by solution casting technique. The structural, thermal and optical properties of obtained polymer composites have been examined. The irradiation properties of 6 MeV energized X-ray via cLINAC to obtain radiation shielding performance of these different percentage (0, 5, 10, and 20%) Gd doped Fe₂O₃ PVA thin films were also investigated. By using obtained results, the Linear Attenuation Coefficient (LAC), Half Value Layer (HVL), Tenth Value Layer (TVL), Mass Attenuation Coefficient (MAC). Also, theoretically Z_eff value have been calculated. According to all obtained results, it has been seen that the different percentages (0, 5, 10, and 20%) Gd doped Fe₂O₃ PVA thin films can be used as radiation shielding material.