Abstract
The study investigates the radiation permeability properties including mass attenuation coefficient (MAC), linear attenuation coefficient (LAC), tenth value layer (TVL), half value layer (HVL), fast neutron cross section (FNRC), and mean free path (MFP) of polypropylene (PP) polymer, as well as the produced polymer matrix composites (PP+5% ZrO2, PP+10% ZrO2, PP+15% ZrO2). The studied materials were examined by considering their effect on radiation permeability against gamma and neutron radiation. Additionally, powder size, Archimedes principle (density), XRD, DSC, ATR, and DTA-TG analyses were performed. According to the radiation permeability results of the studied four materials, PP + 15% ZrO2 was found to have the highest LAC values, while PP was found to have the lowest LAC values. The FNRC values of the PP, PP+5% ZrO2, PP+10% ZrO2, and PP+15% ZrO2 materials were found to be 10.038 cm-1, 12.651 cm-1, 15.002 cm-1, and 17.091 cm-1, respectively. The most suitable material for gamma and neutron shielding was found to be 15% ZrO2 reinforced material.