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<p>This study examines the effects of hybrid filler composed of calcium carbonate derived from oyster shell waste and barium chloride (CaCO<sub>3</sub>/BaCl<sub>2</sub>) on the mechanical, thermal, and radiation shielding performance of natural rubber (NR) composites. The hybrid filler was prepared using the ball milling and incorporated into NR at loadings ranging from 0 to 150 phr. The results demonstrate that hybrid filler contents play a critical role in governing the structure–property relationships of the NR composites. At moderate loadings (30–50 phr), the NR composites exhibit improved mechanical performance, with enhanced tensile strength, hardness, and tear resistance compared to unfilled NR, indicating effective stress transfer and good filler dispersion. The tensile strength increased from 8.25&#xa0;MPa for unfilled NR to a maximum value of 20.9&#xa0;MPa at 30 phr, while the Shore A hardness increased from 40.8 to 55.3 at 150 phr. Thermal analysis shows a significant enhancement in stability, with the activation energy (<i>E</i><sub>a</sub>) of degradation increasing from 94&#xa0;kJ/mol for unfilled NR to 148&#xa0;kJ/mol at 100 phr, before slightly decreasing to 127&#xa0;kJ/mol at 150 phr due to filler agglomeration and structural heterogeneity. In contrast, elongation at break decreases at high hybrid filler loadings (≥ 100 phr), reflecting restricted chain mobility and increased filler–filler interactions. Radiation shielding performance improves progressively with increasing filler content, reaching maximum attenuation at 150 phr. The HVL decreased from 2.35 to 0.65&#xa0;cm, while the photon mean free path decreased from 3.42 to 0.92&#xa0;cm. Thermal neutron attenuation also improved, with the macroscopic cross-section reaching 0.75&#xa0;cm⁻<sup>1</sup>. This behaviour is mainly governed by the incorporation of barium (Z = 56), whose high atomic number enhances photon attenuation through photoelectric absorption and Compton scattering, together with the higher inorganic phase fraction in the composite. The developed NR composites establish strong potential as sustainable, lead-free radiation shielding materials, aligning with circular economy principles through the valorisation of bio-based waste resources.</p> Graphical abstract <p></p>

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Lead-free radiation shielding natural rubber composites reinforced with hybrid oyster shell-derived CaCO₃/BaCl2

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2026年6月30日

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  • Wichain Chailad,
  • Pitisan Banyen,
  • Chaloemkiad Sooksil,
  • Nathapong Sukhawipat,
  • Natsupon Chutithanapanon,
  • Narongrit Sosa,
  • Chadet Yenchai,
  • Liu Yang,
  • Siriprapa Kaewjaeng

摘要

This study examines the effects of hybrid filler composed of calcium carbonate derived from oyster shell waste and barium chloride (CaCO3/BaCl2) on the mechanical, thermal, and radiation shielding performance of natural rubber (NR) composites. The hybrid filler was prepared using the ball milling and incorporated into NR at loadings ranging from 0 to 150 phr. The results demonstrate that hybrid filler contents play a critical role in governing the structure–property relationships of the NR composites. At moderate loadings (30–50 phr), the NR composites exhibit improved mechanical performance, with enhanced tensile strength, hardness, and tear resistance compared to unfilled NR, indicating effective stress transfer and good filler dispersion. The tensile strength increased from 8.25 MPa for unfilled NR to a maximum value of 20.9 MPa at 30 phr, while the Shore A hardness increased from 40.8 to 55.3 at 150 phr. Thermal analysis shows a significant enhancement in stability, with the activation energy (Ea) of degradation increasing from 94 kJ/mol for unfilled NR to 148 kJ/mol at 100 phr, before slightly decreasing to 127 kJ/mol at 150 phr due to filler agglomeration and structural heterogeneity. In contrast, elongation at break decreases at high hybrid filler loadings (≥ 100 phr), reflecting restricted chain mobility and increased filler–filler interactions. Radiation shielding performance improves progressively with increasing filler content, reaching maximum attenuation at 150 phr. The HVL decreased from 2.35 to 0.65 cm, while the photon mean free path decreased from 3.42 to 0.92 cm. Thermal neutron attenuation also improved, with the macroscopic cross-section reaching 0.75 cm⁻1. This behaviour is mainly governed by the incorporation of barium (Z = 56), whose high atomic number enhances photon attenuation through photoelectric absorption and Compton scattering, together with the higher inorganic phase fraction in the composite. The developed NR composites establish strong potential as sustainable, lead-free radiation shielding materials, aligning with circular economy principles through the valorisation of bio-based waste resources.

Graphical abstract