Development and Gamma-Ray Shielding Performance of PVDF/ZnO@MWCNT Hybrid Nanocomposite Membranes

Abstract

Radiation shielding materials are essential for reducing exposure to harmful ionizing radiation and protecting individuals, equipment, and surrounding environments.In this study, poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF)-based nanocomposite membranes incorporated with ZnO and ZnO@MWCNT hybrid nanofillers were developed and investigated to evaluate their potential for gamma-radiation shielding. Pure PVDF, PVDF/ZnO, and PVDF/ZnO@MWCNT membranes were comparatively examined to understand the influence of progressive nanofiller incorporation on their structural, morphological, optical, and photon attenuation characteristics. X-ray diffraction and FTIR analyses confirmed the incorporation of the nanofillers and revealed changes in the structural characteristics of the PVDF matrix, while SEM/FESEM observations demonstrated the modified surface morphology and distribution of the fillers within the polymer matrix. UV-visible spectroscopy further indicated changes in the optical absorption behaviour after nanofiller incorporation. The radiation shielding performance was evaluated using Phy-X/PSD by determining the mass attenuation coefficient (MAC), linear attenuation coefficient (LAC), half-value layer (HVL), tenth-value layer (TVL), mean free path (MFP), and effective atomic number (Zeff). The experimental radiation shielding was also evaluated at 0.662 and 1.333 MeV energies using XCOM software. The results demonstrated a noticeable improvement in the gamma-ray attenuation performance of the nanocomposite membranes after the incorporation of ZnO and ZnO@MWCNT. Among the investigated materials, the PVDF/ZnO@MWCNT membrane exhibited the most favorable shielding characteristics, with enhanced attenuation coefficients and effective atomic number, along with reduced HVL, TVL, and MFP compared with pristine PVDF. The improved performance is attributed to the combined effect of ZnO and MWCNTs within the PVDF matrix, which modifies the composition and photon interaction capability of the hybrid nanocomposite. These findings demonstrate the potential of PVDF/ZnO@MWCNT membranes as lightweight, flexible, and multifunctional materials for gamma-radiation shielding applications.

Keywords: PVDF; ZnO@MWCNT; Radiation shielding