Scientists develop biodegradable shield against nuclear radiation
Researchers have created a new class of environmentally friendly materials using gadolinium and chitosan that can absorb dangerous neutron radiation. The advance could improve safety protocols at nuclear facilities and waste storage sites while meeting sustainable manufacturing standards.
Originaltitel: Development of a conceptual scheme for the creation of environmentally friendly Gd-containing neutron-absorbing nanocomposites
<p>The nature and properties of neutron radiation impose specific requirements onthe creation and operation of such materials. The presence of accompanying and inducedradiation, weather conditions, as well as the peculiarities of the location of functional layersrequire a hierarchical approach to the development of such neutron-absorbing materials. It wasshown that the conceptual scheme of creating Gd-containing protective materials consists intaking into account all factors of their operation. In particular, it is shown that the presence ofneutron-absorbing components is a necessary but not sufficient condition for their successfulapplication in environmental conditions. In this work, Gd-containing chitosan films wereprepared as an example of the proposed conceptual scheme for the creation of environmentallyfriendly neutron-absorbing nanocomposites. The prepared Gd films were characterized and theirneutron permeability was estimated. The approach presented in this work contributes to thedevelopment of sustainable and responsible production practices, supporting SDGs 9 and 12.</p>