Employees of the Ural Federal University presented a new material based on silicone, which protects against gamma radiation. The material developed by them is suitable for the manufacture of protective clothing.
In their study, the scientists tried to establish the optimal content of filler particles, which would contribute to enhancing the protective properties of silicone. According to the researchers, this requires 10-50% nanopowder. At the same time, specialists cannot yet confidently declare the maximum efficiency of zinc oxide nanopowder with silicone.
Researchers are simultaneously studying the properties of other polymers, including epoxy, polyethylene and polyvinyl chloride (PVC). Scientists expect that in the future this will ensure maximum safety for workers at enterprises that use gamma radiation.