Date of Award

2017

Document Type

Thesis

Publisher

Edith Cowan University

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy

School

School of Engineering

First Supervisor

Associate Professor Laichang Zhang

Second Supervisor

Professor Yee- Kwong Leong

Third Supervisor

Dr Kevin Hayward

Abstract

This study provides details for the design, preparation of an environmentally friendly, clinically safe and lightweight radiation protective shield made ofGd2O3/epoxy nanocomposite (Gd-nanocomposite) which is proposed as an alternative to traditional toxic lead (Pb)-based aprons for diagnostic X-ray protection. In theory, this particulate nanocomposite can possess significant features of both inorganic particles and organic polymeric matrices. However, in practice, its performance does not simply depend on the sum of the individual contributions of characteristics of the constituent phases but on the interaction of their inner interfaces and the homogeneous dispersion of inorganic particles in the polymer matrix.

The miniaturization of inorganic particles to nanoscale before mixing with an organic matrix has been considered as an effective way to improve the interface of the dispersion phase. Unfortunately, homogeneous dispersion has still not yet been achieved in this type of material due to the coalescence of nanoparticles resulting from the large surface area of nanoparticles and their chemical incompatibility with the matrix. The effect of inter-particle forces arising from adsorbed typical cationic and anionic surfactants on the morphology of the ball milled gadolinium oxide (Gd2O3) is investigated to attain the optimal conditions for interface improvement between Gd2O3 particles and an epoxy matrix.

The experimental outcomes are interpreted in terms of the stabilization and interaction mechanisms of the fine washed Gd2O3 particles (size diameter

Based on the above outcomes, an optimal geometric design of a non-lead based X-ray protective material with lightweight per volume unit is prepared. A plateau with 28-30% increments in the value of fracture toughness (KIC (Mpa.m1/2)) is observed with a specific addition of 0.08 to 0.1 volume fraction (ϕs) of SDS-encapsulated Gd2O3 particles in pure epoxy. The same quantity of particles also optimally raises the critical strain energy release rate (GIC (J.m-2)) and Young’s modulus (E (MPa)) of epoxy by approximately 22-24% and 18-25% respectively. A 16 mm thick sheet of fabricated filled composite at ϕs of 0.08 and 0.1 can shield greater than 95% (0.5 mm Pb-equivalence) and 99% (1 mm Pb-equivalence) respectively of a primary X-ray beam in the range of 60-120kVp. At the same X-ray attenuation (99% attenuation), the specimen is 7, 8.5, and 16 times lighter than wood, glass, and concrete respectively. At 0.5 mm Pb-equivalence, the composite also has 4.5-19.4% less weight per unit area than current commercial non-lead products.

Access Note

Access to Chapters 2, 4, 5, 6 and 7 of this thesis is not available.

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