Lightweight PMMA-based hybrid composites reinforced with Bi2O3 and B4C for advanced radiation shielding

Abstract

Polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA)-based composites have attracted considerable attention as lightweight and environmentally friendly alternatives to conventional radiation shielding materials. In this study, PMMA composites reinforced with bismuth oxide (Bi 2 O 3 ) and boron carbide (B 4 C) were fabricated and systematically investigated for their gamma-ray and neutron shielding performance. The gamma attenuation characteristics of the prepared composites were experimentally evaluated using Cs-137 and Am-241 gamma-ray sources and further validated through Monte Carlo simulations using MCNP6 and Geant4 codes. In addition, the neutron shielding behavior of the composites was assessed numerically using MCNP6 simulations with an Am-Be neutron source spectrum. The experimental results revealed that increasing the filler content significantly enhanced the gamma attenuation capability of the composites, with the sample containing the highest concentration of Bi 2 O 3 and B 4 C exhibiting the best shielding performance. The simulated linear attenuation coefficients showed excellent agreement with the experimental measurements, confirming the reliability of the adopted simulation models. Furthermore, neutron transport simulations demonstrated an improvement in neutron attenuation with increasing filler concentration, highlighting the beneficial role of B 4 C in enhancing neutron shielding efficiency. Overall, the developed PMMA/ Bi 2 O 3 / B 4 C composites exhibited promising radiation shielding characteristics against both gamma rays and neutrons, suggesting their potential applicability as lightweight multifunctional shielding materials for medical, industrial, and nuclear-related applications.