Structural, mechanical, and thermal features of PVA/starch/graphene oxide nanocomposite enriched with WO₃ as gamma–ray radiation shielding materials for medical applications

Abstract Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)/starch/graphene oxide nanocomposites containing different ratios of tungsten oxide (WO 3 ) were prepared for use in the medical field as low‐cost, facile, eco‐friendly, and biodegradable low‐energy γ‐ray shielding materials. The effect of different WO 3 loading (0, 2, 4, 8, and 12 wt%) on nanocomposites' structural, mechanical, and gamma attenuation properties was studied. X‐ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscope verified the incorporation of WO 3 into the nanocomposite matrix. The thermal stability and activation energy of the decomposition of nanocomposites showed continuous improvement with increasing WO 3 . The maximum tensile strength and elongation of nanocomposites were achieved by incorporating 4 wt% WO 3 compared to the lowest tensile strength and elongation at 8 and 12 wt% of WO 3 , respectively. The good filler distribution inside the polymeric matrix at lower filler loading compared to the creation of voids and agglomeration at higher filler levels explains this behavior. It was found that nanocomposites' calculated mass attenuation coefficient μ m (cm 2 /g) increased with increasing WO 3 at different photon energies. Half‐value layer (HVL) and tenth‐value layer (TVL) values fall as WO 3 concentration rises. The sample with 12 wt% of WO 3 exhibits lower HVL and TVL values and higher μ m , demonstrating a more remarkable gamma attenuation ability. Such results endorsed the prepared nanocomposites as low energy γ‐rays attenuation materials in medical fields. Highlights PVA/starch/graphene oxide nanocomposites with different WO 3 s were fabricated as shielding materials. The impact of WO 3 on nanocomposites' mechanical and shielding characteristics was studied Thermal stability of nanocomposites showed continuous improvement with increasing WO 3 μ m increased with continuously increasing WO 3 at different photon energies.