Titanate coupling agent modified lead sulphide for the manufacture of highly filled flexible neoprene based radiation protection materials

Abstract Based on the principles of photon and matter attenuation, lead sulphide (PbS) has the potential for applications in radiation protection owed to its elevated atomic number and density. Achieving good dispersion stability of PbS powder in highly filled composites remains a challenge due to the inherent nature. Here, we proposed a solution to these issues for highly filled rubber‐based flexible wearable composites. PbS particles were firstly synthesized and subsequently surface‐modified with a titanate coupling agent (NDZ‐201) enhanced the interfacial compatibility with the rubber‐based. Then, highly filled PbS@NDZ‐201/chloroprene rubber (CR) composites were obtained by physical blending. Test results showed that these highly filled composites exhibited even distribution of PbS granule and favorable interface compatibility. All the prepared PbS@NDZ‐201/CR composites exhibit excellent mechanical properties. In comparison to pure CR, the mechanical properties of the 70 wt% filler‐modified powder composites remained at a high level, with a tensile strength of 7.51 MPa and an elongation at break of 670.11%, represented improvements of 155% and 105%, respectively. The mass attenuation coefficient and the γ‐rays shielding coefficients of 70 wt% PbS@NDZ‐201/CR composites reached 34.15% and 36.87%, respectively. In conclusion, this method is feasible for the preparation of highly filled radiation protective rubber‐based flexible wearable materials. Highlights Introduction of PbS in the field of radiation protection. NDZ‐201 improved the interfacial compatibility of PbS with CR. The mechanical properties of the composites were improved after modification by NDZ‐201. Highly filled flexible wearable composites for radiation protection was successfully prepared.