Evaluation of Polymethyl Methacrylate Sheets as a Radiation Shielding Material

摘要

Polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) samples were previously prepared by catalytic chain transfer polymerization via metal carbazone of Zn, Cd, and Hg. The density change of PMMA with different metal carbazone complex reveals that Cd cation is denser than the others. The thermal stability of specimens, their hardness as well as their shielding properties has been investigated to ensure that the validity of these materials for application to the problem of the permanent disposal of nuclear wastes. The results indicated that PMMA samples which prepared through the present mechanism have good thermal stability and hardness, especially in case of Cd metal. The shielding parameters such as mass attenuation coefficients (μ/p) and half value layer (HVL) values have been measured using NaI(Tl) detector and the variation of shielding parameters are discussed taking into consideration the effect of photon energy and different metal carbazone complex addition on these parameters. The addition of those elements causes an increase in mass attenuation coefficient, while HVL values were decreased. The obtained results give further support to the investigated material to be used as a promising and proper shielding material.