Structural, mechanical, and thermal features of PVA/starch/graphene oxide nanocomposite enriched with WO3 as gamma–ray radiation shielding materials for medical applications

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Abstract Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)/starch/graphene oxide nanocomposites containing different ratios of tungsten oxide (WO3) were prepared for use in the medical field as low‐cost, facile, eco‐friendly, and biodegradable low‐energy γ‐ray shielding materials. The effect of different WO3 loading (0, 2, 4, 8, and 12 wt%) on nanocomposites' structural, mechanical, and gamma attenuation properties was studied. X‐ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscope verified the incorporation of WO3 into the nanocomposite matrix. The thermal stability and activation energy of the decomposition of nanocomposites showed continuous improvement with increasing WO3. The maximum tensile strength and elongation of nanocomposites were achieved by incorporating 4 wt% WO3 compared to the lowest tensile strength and elongation at 8 and 12 wt% of WO3, respectively. The good filler distribution inside the polymeric matrix at lower filler loading compared to the creation of voids and agglomeration at higher filler levels explains this behavior. It was found that nanocomposites' calculated mass attenuation coefficient μm (cm2/g) increased with increasing WO3 at different photon energies. Half‐value layer (HVL) and tenth‐value layer (TVL) values fall as WO3 concentration rises. The sample with 12 wt% of WO3 exhibits lower HVL and TVL values and higher μm, demonstrating a more remarkable gamma attenuation ability. Such results endorsed the prepared nanocomposites as low energy γ‐rays attenuation materials in medical fields. Highlights PVA/starch/graphene oxide nanocomposites with different WO3s were fabricated as shielding materials. The impact of WO3 on nanocomposites' mechanical and shielding characteristics was studied Thermal stability of nanocomposites showed continuous improvement with increasing WO3 μm increased with continuously increasing WO3 at different photon energies.

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