A novel epoxy-based composite with eggshell, PVC sawdust, wood sawdust and vermiculite: An investigation on radiation absorption and various engineering properties

Abstract

In recent years, radiation applications used in fields such as medicine, energy and military have gradually increased. Shielding is the most effective way to protect from the harmful effects of radiation. In this study, waste sawdust, waste PVC shavings, waste eggshells and vermiculite were utilized at different amounts for the production of composite material. Epoxy was preferred as the binder material. The linear attenuation coefficients of the composites were investigated at 17, 26 and 59.6 keV. In addition, bending and compressive strength, thermal conductivity coefficient, density, water absorption and ultrasonic pulse velocity tests were performed. It was determined that the epoxy-based composites had low mechanical properties, however the water absorption of the composites significantly decreased with the use of PVC shavings. The thermal conductivity coefficients were negatively affected by the usage of waste eggshells, however the vermiculite usage decreased these values. Furthermore, the linear attenuation coefficient results indicated that the waste eggshells could be used as an additive for gamma radiation shielding. @ 2021 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.