Experimental Study of Paraffin-Based Composites Incorporating Different Iron–Carbon Core–Shell Particles: Analysis of Gamma-Ray Shielding and Thermal Properties

Shielding nanocomposites against gamma-rays are increasingly recognized as an advantageous alternative over conventional lead-based covers. In particular, constantly evolving nanocomposites are geared toward improving features such as flexibility and low toxicity. Taking this into consideration, this study introduces composites that offer versatile options in shape definition outside laboratory conditions. The proposed covers contain paraffin as the main compound, where the fillers are iron nanopowders with hydrophobic and hydrophilic carbon shells, at 10 wt.%. The composite preparation process relies on safe, commercially purchased compounds and utilizes user-friendly equipment. This experimental study includes the determination of the shielding properties of the manufactured composites against gamma radiation from 60Co along with their thermal properties, specifically the heat capacity. The achieved results show that incorporating core–shell particles improves the shielding properties, with half-value layers of ca. 15 cm and ca. 14 cm for the pure matrix and composites, respectively. Regarding the differential scanning calorimetry measurements, this study reveals that the composites possess relatively low phase transition temperature values.