Uncovering the attributes of micro-size basalt powder doped epoxy composites: fabrication, characterization, and gamma attenuation properties.

A novel polymeric composite was created using polyethylene polymers as the primary component, supplemented with varying weight proportions of micro-sized basalt rock powder. Basalt was incorporated into the base material at concentrations ranging from 20 to 40% by weight. The homogenous distributions of the basalt powder within the epoxy layers were affirmed using the scanning electron microscope (SEM) as well as the FTIR spectra for the fabricated composites were analyzed. The gamma-ray shielding properties for the fabricated composites were examined using the narrow beam transmission method on NaI (Tl) detector. The linear attenuation coefficient measurement shows an enhancement in the linear attenuation coefficient from 0.134 to 0.156 cm⁻¹ by raising the basalt powder ratio from 0 to 40 wt%. These results were associated with an enhancement in the radiation shielding properties of the fabricated composites from 12.6 to 14.2% and the lead equivalent thickness reduced from 9.3to 8 cm by raising the basalt powder concentration from 0 to 40 wt%, respectively. Based on the findings, incorporating micro-sized basalt powder into the epoxy resin improves the gamma-ray shielding capabilities of the produced composites in comparison to various polymers documented in prior studies, especially E-B40. In terms of radiation protection, it can be inferred that E-B40 shows promising potential as a shielding material for gamma rays with low energy, offering increased protection with reduced thickness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]