Radiation attenuation properties of polymer composites mixed with tantalum carbide

Recently, polymer materials are preferable in radiation shielding applications due to their unique properties: flexibility, durability and low-cost production. These properties enthuse the researchers and, lately, elements or compounds have been mixed into polymer matrixes to create novel radiation shielding materials having the distinctive advantages of polymers. In this context, polyester resins and 3D printing materials, such as Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) and Polylactic Acid (PLA), have been used to block/attenuate different radiation types. In this work, Tantalum Carbide was chosen as additive material, while polyester, PLA and ABS were considered as the base polymer samples. GEANT4 and FLUKA codes were utilized in the evaluation of transmitted radiation through the materials. Significant advantages of 3D technology and remarkable enhancements in neutron and gamma shielding were reported.