Akademik Veri Yönetim Sistemi
LEVET A.(Yürütücü), BÜYÜKYILDIZ M., TURHAN D., SARITAŞ S., GÜLEN K.
Yükseköğretim Kurumları Destekli Proje, BAP Diğer, 2024 - 2025
In this study, the radiation shielding performance and mechanical properties of epoxy-based composites were systematically investigated. The primary objective of the study is to develop lightweight, portable, and environmentally friendly shielding materials that can be utilized in radiation-intensive applications such as healthcare, nuclear energy, aerospace, and defense industries. For this purpose, basalt, carbon, and antimony trioxide (Sb₂O₃) were incorporated into an epoxy matrix at different ratios, and seven composite samples (RT1–RT7) were prepared. The radiation attenuation parameters of the composites were theoretically calculated using WinXCOM software, including mass attenuation coefficient (MAC), half-value layer (HVL), mean free path (MFP), effective atomic number (Zeff), and effective electron density (Neff). Experimental validation was performed through gamma-ray transmission measurements using HPGe detector-based gamma spectroscopy.
The results indicated that pure epoxy (RT1) exhibited the lowest shielding capacity, while the RT4 sample with 5% Sb₂O₃ demonstrated the highest radiation attenuation performance. The incorporation of Sb₂O₃ significantly enhanced gamma photon attenuation due to its high atomic number; however, it caused a partial reduction in mechanical strength. Carbon addition, on the other hand, contributed more effectively than basalt in improving compressive and flexural strengths of the composites. Ultrasonic pulse velocity (UPV) tests revealed that increasing additive content negatively affected pulse velocity and transmission times.
Overall, basalt–carbon–antimony trioxide reinforced epoxy composites exhibited a balanced performance in both mechanical strength and radiation shielding. Among them, RT4 was identified as the most promising formulation, maintaining sufficient mechanical integrity while providing high shielding efficiency. Therefore, the developed composites can be considered as lightweight, multifunctional, and eco-friendly alternatives to conventional lead-based shielding materials. This research contributes to the advancement of next-generation radiation protection materials and highlights the potential of multifunctional composites for industrial applications.