Effect of Pb3O4 nanocomposite on the structural, optical, and radiation shielding properties of PVA Films

Abstract This study investigated the effect of lead tetroxide nanoparticles (Pb 3 O 4 NPs) on the properties of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA). PVA films were prepared by a conventional casting method, with varying concentrations of Pb 3 O 4 NPs (0, 2, 4, 6, 7, and 9 wt %). A significant increase in the crystallinity of the PVA film with increasing Pb 3 O 4 NPs concentrations and the uniform distribution of Pb 3 O 4 NPs on the surface of the films were demonstrated using X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), respectively. Optical characterizations revealed increased light absorption and decreased light transmittance with increasing Pb 3 O 4 concentration. Among the significant optical results, the band gap energy of the samples decreased from 4.95 to 3.77 eV for pure PVA and PVA/9% Pb 3 O 4 . The radiation blocking capabilities of the PVA films were investigated experimentally using a NaI (Tl) detector and theoretically using Phy-X/PSD software in the gamma-ray energy range (0.511–1.332) MeV. The experimental and theoretical results were consistent, highlighting that higher concentrations of Pb 3 O 4 improve the effectiveness of PVA films in reducing gamma ray penetration. Thus, the control of the filler concentrations to enhance the shielding properties will open up a new strategy to synthesize novel materials for radiation applications.