Assessment of radiation shielding efficiency in polymeric composites reinforced with natural fibres and multilayered nanoparticles

This study describes the development and assessment of natural, polymeric, and hybrid epoxy-based composites that are reinforced with jute mats or polyethylene sheets and contain 25 wt% lead and 25 wt% boron carbide nanoparticles. According to mechanical tests, polymeric composites performed exceptionally well in flexural strength (45.7 ± 1.2 MPa) and impact resistance (1.75 ± 0.26 kJ/m2), while natural composites had the best tensile strength (10.84 ± 1.8 MPa) and hardness (92 ± 1 HRR). Hybrid composites have offered the midway performance rather than the natural and polymeric composites. The radiation shielding efficiency have been evaluated and provided in SI air kerma values in Ir-192 gamma exposure. The natural composites (14.7 mGy) showed better attenuation when compared to polymeric (19.8 mGy) and hybrid composites (21.5 mGy) in comparison with reference CS plate (15.8 mGy). The results showed that the laminate structure is an important part of multifunctional composites. Polymeric composites make things stronger, while natural fibre systems make things harder and better at protecting them.