Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University

Mohammad Wasef Marashdeh

Mamduh Jamil Aljaafreh

Nawal Ahmad Madkhali

Hanan Fawaz Akhdar

Islam Gamal Ibrahim Ali Alhindawy

Karem Abdelazim Gaber Mahmoud

A nanocomposite includes a zirconia matrix and a metal oxide dispersed in the zirconia matrix and selected from the group consisting of bismuth oxide and tungsten oxide. The nanocomposite is in the form of nanoparticles having an average size of 5-25 nm. A linear attenuation coefficient of the nanocomposite is higher than a linear attenuation coefficient of pure zirconia for gamma-rays having energies of 0.059 MeV to 0.662 MeV. The nanocomposite includes, based on a total weight of the nanocomposite, 40-60 wt. % of Zr, 20-30 wt. % of O, and 20-30 wt. % of Bi or W.

Radiation shielding nanocomposite

A radiation shielding material for shielding against gamma radiation includes neodymium-doped zirconia nanoparticles in a matrix. The neodymium doped zirconia nanoparticles have a tetragonal crystal structure and an average size between about 25 nm to about 35 nm. The nanoparticles have a neodymium content in the range of about 1.5 mol % to about 3 mol % based on the total molar content of the zirconia nanoparticles. A method for the synthesis of neodymium-doped zirconia nanoparticles is provided. The method includes controlled metamorphosis of zirconia from monoclinic to tetragonal phase which results in a multifunctional shielding material having durability and high radiation absorption efficiency.

Growing community of inventors

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Mohammad Wasef Marashdeh