Processing and properties of new generation radiation shielding nano composites

Electromagnetic radiation from equipments in medical diagnostic centers or nuclear reactors causes ionization including gamma rays and x-rays that are well known to be very harmful to human health. Therefore, flexible, light-weighed and environmentally friendly shielding materials that can replace toxic and very heavy Pb based materials are required. In the present work, synthesized and surface modified micro/nano B4C particles are distributed within polymeric matrices in order to obtain flexible shielding materials. The effect of surface functionalization and concentration of boron carbide on the distribution characteristics of boron carbide and the final properties of the composites are examined.