Studies on gamma radiation resistance polyethersulphone films reinforced by lead oxide

Polyethersulphone (PES) filled with different concentrations (0, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70 and 80 wt-%) of lead oxide film was prepared by solution casting using dichloromethane as solvent. The films were characterised by mechanical testing and thermal and morphological studies. Tensile and flexural properties increased with increase in lead oxide content up to its optimum concentration. Incorporation of lead oxide increases the glass transition temperature and improves thermal stability. Scanning electron microscopy has been employed to study the phase structure. The gamma ray shielding properties of these materials were determined using a Tc-99m gamma-ray source. The changes in percentage attenuation as a function of lead oxide concentration are presented and discussed. The results revealed that the shielding properties of PES increased with the addition of lead oxide.