Gamma and Neutron Shielding Performance of ABS Polymer Doped with MoS2 and CaWO4: Experimental and Simulation-Based Study

In this study, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) polymer composites reinforced with different weight fractions of MoS2 and CaWO4 were fabricated and investigated for their gamma and neutron shielding capabilities through both experimental and simulation-based approaches. Gamma-ray attenuation measurements were conducted using a NaI(Tl) detector system, while GEANT4 and FLUKA Monte Carlo codes were employed to simulate both gamma and neutron shielding performance. Additionally, theoretical values of mass attenuation coefficients (MACs) were calculated using EpiXS software. Scanning electron microscopy analysis revealed a homogeneous dispersion of CaWO4 and MoS2 particles within the ABS matrix, although some agglomeration was observed at higher loadings. The results demonstrated that MS-3 and CW-3 exhibited superior gamma radiation shielding performance, with a MAC increase of approximately three times compared to ABS-0 at 59.5 keV. Notably, the MS-3 and CW-3 samples exhibited enhanced gamma attenuation, especially in the low-energy range. Simulations also confirmed enhanced neutron shielding efficiency, particularly against thermal neutrons. In addition, the Monte Carlo simulations revealed that CW-3 generated the lowest levels of secondary gamma and neutron radiation, enhancing its overall shielding efficiency. For thermal neutrons, the CW-3 sample transmitted only similar to 8% of neutrons and produced 346 933 secondary photons. These findings highlight the potential of the developed composites as advanced materials for radiation protection in nuclear energy systems, medical facilities, and aerospace engineering.