BaSO₄ and Fe₂O₃ Filled Polydimethy lsiloxane Elastomer Nanocomposite as X-ray Radiation Resistant Material

In this investigation, emphasis is given to prepare x-ray shielding soft flexible polymer composites based on polydimethylsiloxane rubber. Barium sulphate (BaSO4) and iron oxide (Fe2O3) nanoparticles are synthesized and surface functionalized using 3-Aminopropyl trimethoxysilane. The fillers are characterized using x-ray diffraction analysis and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Polydimethylsiloxane based elastomer composites using these fillers are prepared using solvent-casting method. The prepared composites are characterized using thermo gravimetric analysis, scanning electron microscopy, indentation studies and x-ray exposure studies. The results showed that surface functionalization of fillers improved the dispersion and interaction between the fillers and the polymer matrix. X-ray exposure studies confirmed the improvement of x-ray shielding behavior of polydimethylsiloxane elastomer by the incorporation of even 3 wt% of nanofillers.