Epoxy Composites for Radiation Shielding

Abstract

Due to the increase in use of radiation energy in many industrial applications, radiation shielding has become a crucial topic in order to diminish its hazardous effects. Radiation shields can be of various weights depending on the materials from which they are produced and the area in which they are used. In this sense, polymer composites have taken attention by researchers because it is aimed to obtain shields with good processability, sufficient flexibility, low weight, and subsequent performance properties. Epoxy resin is one of the mostly used synthetic polymers as a matrix element in composite material production due to its improving characteristics by means of electrical insulation, chemical resistance, service life, bonding characteristic, and mechanical properties. Besides, epoxies have intermediate radiation shielding characteristics as well. By loading epoxy matrix with fibers and/or fillers having different radiation absorption rates or mechanical resistance properties, multifunctional shields can be produced to serve in numerous applications. This chapter focuses on radiation shielding efficiency of fiber-reinforced epoxy composites and the role of fillers and fiber-based materials on manufacturing of functional radiation shields.