Producing a Hybrid Polymeric Nanocomposite with Dual Fluorescence and Radiation Attenuation Characteristics for Futuristic Applications

This paper presents the development of a multifunctional hybrid nanocomposite comprising a poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA)/polyethylene oxide (PEO) blend, augmented with carbon nanoparticles (CNPs) and NiFe 2 O 4 nanofiller, intended for improved optoelectronic and radiation shielding applications. A synergistic hybrid system (PMMA/PEO/CNPs/NiFe 2 O 4 ) has been developed for the first time, integrating adjustable fluorescence and gamma radiation attenuation inside a single, lightweight, lead-free polymeric composite. This study illustrates that integrating magnetic NiFe 2 O 4 nanoparticles into a fluorescent carbon-polymer matrix improves radiation shielding properties while also systematically adjusting fluorescence emission and CIE chromaticity coordinates, in contrast to traditional materials that function solely as passive radiation shields or optical components. This filler-filler interaction, in which the shielding component actively modulates the optical response, implies a development of smart multifunctional materials. At 15 keV, the linear attenuation coefficient (LAC) and mass attenuation coefficient (MAC) for the composite with 2.5 wt% NiFe 2 O 4 are 1.470 cm −1 and 1.1273 cm 2 /g, respectively. The mean free path (MFP) diminishes consistently with the augmentation of NiFe 2 O 4 concentration, from 1.4507 cm to 1.3149 cm at 0.02 MeV. The fast neutron removal cross-section (FNRCS) attains 0.11893, surpassing the standard of 0.077. Upon applied 434 nm excitation wavelength, the CIE coordinates systematically transition from (0.2353, 0.2867) to (0.2769, 0.2730) when NiFe 2 O 4 concentration increases, indicating tunable optical properties directly associated with filler loading. This lead-free composite provides an eco-friendly substitute for hazardous shielding materials used in medical radiography, nuclear facilities, and space exploration. The minimal filler loading (2.5 wt%) maintains flexibility, rendering it appropriate for wearable protective equipment and portable shielding, thereby fulfilling essential requirements for human and environmental safety in high-radiation settings.