Effect of different size of PbWO4 particles on EPDM composite for gamma-ray shielding

Abstract

Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer (EPDM) composites filled with 0–400 phr [Formula: see text] (PWO) were prepared by conventional process using a two-roll mill. Surface treatment of the fillers coated with KH570 was conducted to enhance the wettability and lubrication of fillers in the polymer matrix. According to SEM images and mechanical test, both micro- and submicro-fillers disperse homogeneously in the matrix, and adhesion of submicro-fillers to the matrix is stronger than that of micro-fillers. The submicro-PWO composites had better tensile strength and elongation at break than those composites containing micro-PWO powder, but a relatively higher hardness. The photon shielding test was performed to determine the radiation shielding properties of these composites, which showed that attenuation of gamma-rays for the submicro-PWO composites was substantially enhanced compared to micro-PWO reinforced composites.