Investigation of tungsten powder-filled ethylene propylene diene monomer rubber composites for radiation shielding applications

Abstract This study developed novel EPDM rubber composites filled with tungsten powder as a safer alternative to radiation shielding materials. The composites rheological, mechanical, and radiation shielding properties were investigated. The results showed that adding tungsten powder up to 30 phr improved the composites’ mechanical properties and radiation shielding effectiveness. The tensile strength increased from 5.1 MPa (unfilled EPDM) to 16.5 MPa at 30 phr, with elongation at break rising from 750% to 1350%, and hardness from 48 to 73 Shore A. Under γ-irradiation, EPDM/W composites maintained superior stability, with 30 phr showing the highest resistance to degradation compared to other loadings. The linear attenuation coefficient increased with tungsten content, reaching 2.6 cm⁻¹ at 40 phr and 80.99 keV, and 0.1702 cm⁻¹ at 661.64 keV. The composites demonstrated promising properties for gamma-ray shielding applications, making them a potential candidate for replacing lead-based materials in nuclear facilities. The findings suggest that EPDM/W composites could provide a safer and more effective solution for radiation protection.