Preparation and Assessment of Nanocomposites Based on Natural Rubber Latex Reinforced With Multiwall Carbon Nanotubes for Gamma Rays Shielding Applications

Abstract Reinforcement of the flexible shielding properties of natural rubber (NRL) was achieved through various content Multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) prepared from a simple solution using mixing method. Thereafter, a host of evaluative tests, using different techniques were carried to check the structural, morphological, mechanical and electrical conformity of the MWCNTs in the natural rubber matrix. More notably, the results from the x-ray diffraction (XRD), Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) revealed that the nanocomposites have been successfully prepared, making them fitting to impact significant improvement on the mechanical strength of the matrix. The evaluation of the formation of MWCNT networks in the matrix, which gives insight into the nanocomposites' electrical conductivity, also showed agreeable results as the linear attenuation coefficients (l) and half-value thickness (HVT) for NRL/MWCNTs nanocomposite films were investigated . Thus, from the foregoing series of results, it can be concluded that nanocomposite films offer promising radiation-shielding properties.