Abstract
In this work, five samples of high-density polyethylene have been made by varying bismuth oxide (Bi2O3) concentration 0.5, 1.0, 1.5 and 2.0 wt%. Scanning electron microscopic (SEM) has been used to analysis of the samples to point out the changes in the surface morphology. Energy Dispersive X-ray (EDX) has been performed for evaluating chemical composition of the prepared samples. X-ray diffraction (XRD) spectra of the pure Bi2O3, pure high-density polyethylene (HDPE) and HDPE with different amount of Bi2O3 have been investigated. Additionally, the Raman spectroscopy of all synthesized polymer matrix were measured to explore the different molecular groups. Finally, the mass attenuation coefficients μ/ρ for the samples have been measured using narrow beam of gamma-ray at eight energies between from 30.8 to 383.8 keV. The effect of the photon energy and the addition of Bi2O3 on the gamma-ray shielding ability of the prepared sample have been discussed. In conclusion, the prepared samples showed good attenuation properties.