\Preparation of poly(styrene-co-acrylic acid)-zinc oxide composites: Experimental and theoretical investigation of gamma radiation shielding properties

This study, it is aimed to prepare a polymer composite between styrene, acrylic acid, and ZnO and to measure the radiation shielding of the synthesized polymer composite. Firstly poly(styrene-co-acrylic acid) (P(S-co-AA)) copolymer was synthesized using the emulsion polymerization method between styrene and acrylic acid. Then, P(S-co-AA)-ZnO composites were prepared with different percentages of ZnO. For preparing these composites, the materials were mixed in a 60 °C ultrasonic bath. P(S-co-AA)-ZnO was poured into Petri dishes to form a film. When the TG curves were examined, it was not found a significant difference between the copolymer composite and the copolymer. The molecular weight of the copolymer was found to be 120000. SEM images show zinc fragments located between the polymer chains. The potential for radiation capture against gamma was determined using a NaI scintillation detector. The linear gamma attenuation coefficients for P(S-co-AA)-ZnO samples were calculated to Lambert's Beer Law and measured for 662 keV. Theoretical gamma attenuation coefficient values were calculated by multiplying the density of the composite with the mass attenuation coefficients. The absorption parameters of polymer composites are directly proportional to the increasing amount of zinc oxide. P(S-co-AA)-ZnO-15% was the best absorber at 662 keV energy compared to other polymer composites.