The interaction between encapsulated Gd2O3 particles and polymeric matrix: The mechanism of fracture and X-ray attenuation properties

This work sheds light on the relationship between the quantities of synthesized core shell Gd 2 O 3 added to epoxy matrix and the mechanical and X-ray attenuation properties of particulate epoxy composite. Then, an optimal geometric design of non-lead based X-ray protective material with light weight per volume unit is prepared. A plateau with 28–30% increments in the value of fracture toughness (K IC ) is observed with a specific addition of 0.08–0.1 volume fraction ( φ S ) of Gd 2 O 3 particles in pure epoxy. The same quantity of particles also optimally raises the critical strain energy release rate and Young’s modulus of epoxy by approximately 22–24% and 18–25% respectively. A 16 mm thick sheet of fabricated filled composite at ( φ S ) of 0.08 and 0.1 can shield greater than 95% and 99% respectively of a primary X-ray beam in the range of 60–120 kVp. At the same X-ray attenuation (99% attenuation), the specimen is 7, 8.5 and 16 times lighter than wood, glass, and concrete, respectively. At 0.5 mm Pb-equivalence, the composite also has 4.5–19.4% less weight per unit area than current commercial non-lead products.