Multiscale Characterization and Optical and Radiation Absorption Behavior of Hybrid Nanocomposites for Advanced Applications
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.48048/tis.2025.10659Keywords:
SiO2, GO, Optical properties, Radiation attenuation, ShieldingAbstract
Nanocomposites are advanced materials used experimentally in various applications, such as optical and industrial, and recently in radiation attenuation. This research aims to fabricate polycaprolactone/polyethyleneimine (PCL/PEI) blend polymer hybrid nanocomposites loaded with silicon dioxide (SiO2) and graphene oxide (GO) nanomaterials to improve their performance and properties. The solvent casting method, assisted by sonication, was employed to create four samples: BP, NCP1, NCP2, and NCP3, which were cast in Petri dishes. Structural characterization was conducted using X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, optical microscopy, and field-emission scanning electron microscopy. The nanocomposites exhibited enhanced structural homogeneity and increased crystallinity due to the addition of both SiO2@GO nanoparticles in NCP3 rather than a blend polymer or reinforcement with a single nanomaterial. The NCP3 sample exhibited notable enhancements in the most favourable results, including optical conductivity, dielectric constants, refractive index increase (36.5%), and extinction coefficient (42.1%) compared to the blend polymer. Furthermore, the real and imaginary dielectric constants showed improvements of 48.7% and 55.3%, respectively. The attenuation coefficients (µ) increased by 71.8% compared to the blend polymer, which was computed using a caesium-137 (662 keV) source. Furthermore, the measurements confirmed a significant improvement in radiation attenuation, indicating a synergistic effect between the nanofillers. Combined nanomaterials (SiO2-GO) demonstrated superior performance compared to a single nanomaterial, rendering them an exceptional candidate for various advanced applications, particularly in light shielding or sanitary landfill of radioactive materials using lightweight concrete.
HIGHLIGHTS
- GO samples revealed better optical, dielectric and conductivity than SiO2
- GO samples exposed better attention to the radiation than samples reinforced with SiO2.
- Nanocomposites fabricated expose promising findings for optical filtering and light-shielding.
- Hybrid nanomaterials SiO2-GO exhibited better findings than using GO or SiO2 as a single nanomaterial.
GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT
Downloads
References
AM El-Khatib, MI Abbas, SI Hammoury, MM Gouda, K Zard and M Elsafi. Effect of PbO-nanoparticles on dimethyl polysiloxane for use in radiation shielding applications. Scientific Reports 2022; 12, 15722.
N Rabiei, L Gholamzadeh, MK Aminian and H Sharghi. Flexible and lead-free polymer composites for X-ray shielding: Comparison of polyvinyl chloride matrix filled with nanoparticles of tungsten oxides. Radiation and Environmental Biophysics 2025; 64, 151-161.
AI Alawi, E Al-Bermany, RS Alnayli, MM Sabri, NM Ahmed and AKJ Albermany. Impact of SiO2-GO hybrid nanomaterials on opto-electronic behavior for novel glass quinary (PAAm-PVP-PVA/SiO2-GO) hybrid nanocomposite for antibacterial activity and shielding applications. Optical and Quantum Electronics 2024; 56(3), 429.
SS Türkaslan, SS Ugar, EE Türkaslan and N Fantuzzi. Evaluating the X-ray-shielding performance of graphene-oxide-coated nanocomposite fabric. Materials 2022; 15, 2025
ZJ Kadhim, AA Shaher, K Abdali, NA Al-Ali, E Al-Bermany and AN Tuama. Insights into the microstructure, optical, dielectric, and biological features of HA@MoS reinforced PEO/SA nanocomposite films for optoelectronics, sunscreens, energy storage, and bactericidal applications. Journal of Inorganic and Organometallic Polymers and Materials 2025. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10904-025-03805-5.
K Shahzad, A Kausar, S Manzoor, SA Rakha, A Uzair, M Sajid, A Arif, AF Khan, A Diallo and I Ahmad. Views on radiation shielding efficiency of polymeric composites/nanocomposites and multi-layered materials: Current state and advancements. Radiation 2022; 3, 1-20.
A Richert, E Olewnik-Kruszkowska, R Malinowski, A Kalwasińska and MS Brzezinska. Polycaprolactone-based films incorporated with birch tar—thermal, physicochemical, antibacterial, and biodegradable properties. Foods 2023; 12(23), 4244.
J Casper, SH Schenk, E Parhizkar, P Detampel, A Dehshahri and J Huwyler. Polyethylenimine (PEI) in gene therapy: Current status and clinical applications. Journal of Controlled Release 2023; 362, 667-691.
K Filak-Mędoń, KW Fornalski, M Bonczyk, A Jakubowska, K Kempny, K Wołoszczuk, K Filipczak, K Żerańska and M Zdrojek. Graphene-based nanocomposites as gamma-and X-ray radiation shield. Scientific Reports 2024; 14, 18998.
WM Al-Saleh, HM Almutairi, MI Sayyed and M Elsafi. Multilayer radiation shielding system with advanced composites containing heavy metal oxide nanoparticles: A free-lead solution. Scientific Reports 2023; 13, 18429.
C Kaew-on, J Yuennan, N Tohluebaji, P Channuie, S Ruangdit, R Samran, T Tochomphoo and R Siri. Enhanced hydrophobicity, thermal stability, and X-ray shielding efficiency of BaSO4/P(VDF-HFP) nanocomposites for advanced lead-free radiation protection. Polymers 2025; 17(6), 723.
MV Paula, LAD Azevedo, IDDL Silva, GM Vinhas and SA Junior. Effects of gamma radiation on nanocomposite films of polycaprolactone with modified MCM-48. Polimeros 2021; 31(3), e2021031.
MA Kadhim and E Al-Bermany. New fabricated PMMA-PVA/graphene oxide nanocomposites: Structure, optical properties and application. Journal of Composite Materials 2021; 55(20), 2793-2806.
AN Obaid and E Al-Bermany. Impact of graphene nanosheets on adhesion and corrosion performance of reinforced polyurethane coating for aerospace aluminium alloy 2024-T3. International Journal of Adhesion and Adhesives 2024; 132, 103695.
RA Abdul-Nabi and E Al-Bermany. Performers of Si3N4 concentrations on morphology and electrical behavior for new quinary fabrication PEO-CMC-PANI/GO@Si3N4 nanocomposites for electronic devise and gas sensor application. Silicon 2024; 16, 5583-5601.
NT Sheehab, FS Hashim, E Al-Bermany, AN Obaid, K Abdali and AHO Alkhayatt. Performance of TiO2-SiC nanomaterials on morphology and sorption behavior of PVA-PEG-based nanocomposites for UV-applications and antibacterial efficacy. Nano-Structures and Nano-Objects 2025; 42, 101479.
FS Hashim, SA Jabbar, E Al-Bermany and K Abdali. Effect of inclusion ZnO-Co3O4 nanoparticles on the microstructural and optical properties of PVA-CMC polymeric blend for biomedical, UV shielding, and nuclear radiation shielding applications. Plasmonics 2024; 20, 1629-1641.
AN Tuama, E Al-Bermany, RS Alnayli, KH Abass, K Abdali and MH Jameel. A critical review of the evaluation of Sio2-incorporated Tio2 nanocomposite for photocatalytic activity. Silicon 2024; 16, 2323-2340.
K Abdali. Structural, morphological, and Gamma Ray Shielding (GRS) characterization of HVCMC/PVP/PEG polymer blend encapsulated with silicon dioxide nanoparticles. Silicon 2022; 14, 9111-9116.
E Al‐Bermany and B Chen. Effect of the functional groups of polymers on their adsorption behavior on graphene oxide nanosheets. Macromolecular Chemistry and Physics 2023; 224, 2300101.
S Pandey, A Pandey, M Deshmukh and AK Shrivastava. Role of geiger muller counter in modern physics. Journal of Pure Applied and Industrial Physics 2017; 7(5), 192-196.
A Poškus. Experiment No. 9: Absorption of alpha particles and electrons. Vilnius University, Vilnius, Lithuania, 2015.
W Tlaczala and M Zaremba. Virtual experiments in nuclear physics. In: Proceedings of the 2007 IEEE Instrumentation and Measurement Technology Conference IMTC, Warsaw, Poland. 2007, p. 1-6.
M Erdem, O baykara, M Doğru and F Kuluöztürk. A novel shielding material prepared from solid waste containing lead for gamma ray. Radiation Physics and Chemistry 2010; 79(9), 917-922.
D Winkler. 2018, Characterization of a HPGe coaxial well detector for low energy gamma spectroscopy & sensitivity analysis of germanium spectrometers. Bachelor Thesis. Ruprecht-Karls-Universität Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany.
R Xu, C Su, L Cui, K Zhang and J Li. Preparing sodium alginate/polyethyleneimine spheres for potential application of killing tumor cells by reducing the concentration of copper ions in the lesions of colon cancer. Materials 2019; 12(9), 1570.
KPS Hussan, S Inoue, Y Arai, K Sasaki, R Kita, T Ito and N Shinyashiki. Molecular insights into an electrolytic polymer, polyethylene imine. Polymer 2025; 321, 128101.
R Ellerbrock, M Stein and J Schaller. Comparing amorphous silica, short-range-ordered silicates and silicic acid species by FTIR. Scientific Reports 2022; 12, 11708.
E Al-Bermany, AT Mekhalif, HA Banimuslem, K Abdali and MM Sabri. Effect of green synthesis bimetallic Ag@SiO2 core-shell nanoparticles on absorption behavior and electrical properties of PVA-PEO nanocomposites for optoelectronic applications. Silicon 2023; 15, 4095-4107.
MA Ramazanov, HA Shirinova, SG Nuriyeva, MA Jafarov and MR Hasanova. Structure and optic properties of the nanocomposites based on polypropylene and amorphous silica nanoparticles. Journal of Thermoplastic Composite Materials 2023; 36, 1762-1774.
AA Vassiliou, D Bikiaris, KE Mabrouk and M Kontopoulou. Effect of evolved interactions in poly (butylene succinate)/fumed silica biodegradable in situ prepared nanocomposites on molecular weight, material properties, and biodegradability. Journal of Applied Polymer Science 2011; 119, 2010-2024.
M Fadaie and E Mirzaei. Nanofibrillated chitosan/polycaprolactone bionanocomposite scaffold with improved tensile strength and cellular behavior. Nanomedicine Journal 2018; 5(2), 77-89.
M Qiu, Y Zhang and B Wen. Facile synthesis of polyaniline nanostructures with effective electromagnetic interference shielding performance. Journal of Materials Science: Materials in Electronics 2018; 29, 10437-10444.
ZJ Kadhim, E Al-Bermany, AA Shaher, NA Al-Ali, K Abdali and AN Tuama. Probing the physical and antibacterial features of SiO2@MoS2 nanoparticle-embellished PEO/sodium alginate/PVA matrix for sunscreens, energy storage, food preservation, and unique plasmonic applications. Plasmonics 2025. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11468-025-03055-8.
AI Alawi and E Al-Bermany. Exploring the impact of silicon nanoparticles on polymer nanocomposites: Advancements in fabrication techniques and exciting applications in solar cells, photoelectronic, and sensors. In: Proceedings of the 2nd International Conference on Scientific Research and Innovation 2023, Ohio, USA. 2023, p. 60007.
SS Aljelawy, E Al-Bermany and AR Abdulridha. Opto-electrical dielectrics and conductivity behavior of vinyl polymers reinforced with chitosan@graphene oxide nanomaterials for optoelectronic and biological activity. The European Physical Journal Plus 2025; 140, 94.
SS Aljelawy, E Al-Bermany and AR Abdulridha. Performance of graphene-functionalized nano chitosan in ternary polymeric nanocomposites for physical and biological applications. Journal of Polymer Research 2024; 31, 226.
J Liggat. Physical chemistry of macromolecules: Basic principles and issues: By S.F. Sun. pp. 469. Wiley, Chichester, 1994. £54.00. ISBN 0 471 59788 0. Endeavour 1995; 19, 132-133.
NR Aldulaimi and E Al-Bermany. New fabricated UHMWPEO-PVA hybrid nanocomposites reinforced by GO nanosheets: Structure and DC electrical behaviour. In: Proceedings of the 3rd International Scientific Conference of Engineering Sciences and Advances Technologies, Babylon, Iraq. 2021, p. 12164.
S Deng, J Zhang, L Ye and J Wu. Toughening epoxies with halloysite nanotubes. Polymer 2008; 49, 5119-5127.
RA Abdul-Nabi and E Al-Bermany. Antibacterial and anticancer potentials of graphene-silicon nitride nanomaterials-enhanced polymer nanocomposites: Advanced characterization and optical behavior insights. Journal of Biosafety and Biosecurity 2025; 7, 55-68.
AAF Abodood, K Abdali, AOM Al-Ogaili, E Al-Bermany and KH Abass. Effect of molar concentration and solvent type on linear and NLO properties of Aurintricarboxylic (ATA) organic dye for image sensor and optical limiter applications. International Journal of Nanoscience 2023; 22(2), 2350014.
VNN Suryawanshi. Band gap engineering in PbO nanostructured thin films by Mn doping. Thin Solid Films 2018; 645, 87-92.
A Kirschning, W Solodenko and K Mennecke. Combining Enabling Techniques in Organic Synthesis: Continuous Flow Processes with Heterogenized Catalysts. Chemistry - A European Journal 2006; 12(23), 5972-5990.
NA Azahari, N Othman and H Ismail. Biodegradation studies of polyvinyl alcohol/corn starch blend films in solid and solution media. Journal of Physical Science 2011; 22(2), 15-31.
J Tauc, A Menth and DL Wood. Optical and magnetic investigations of the localized states in semiconducting glasses. Physical Review Letters 1970; 25, 749-752.
M Fox. Optical Properties of Solids. Oxford University Press, Oxford, 2010.
S Khammahong, C Phrompet, C Ruttanapun and C Sriwong. Effect of rGO nanosheet loading in SiO2/rGO hybrid nanocomposites for enhancing optoelectrical, physical, and electrochemical properties. Diamond and Related Materials 2025; 155, 112330.
IR Ghanim, NR Aldulaimi, SA Jabbar, FS Hashim, K Abdali, E Al-Bermany and AN Tuama. Effect of embedding WO3NPs on the structural, morphological, optical, and dielectric properties of PVA-CMC-PEG polymeric matrix towards optoelectronic and energy storage applications. Journal of Inorganic and Organometallic Polymers and Materials 2025; 35, 1143-1151.
RM Ahmed and E Al-Bermany. Tuning the optical absorption and band gab of hydrogel methylcellulose loaded using hybrid Fe3O4@GO nanomaterials for optoelectronic and antibacterial activity. Journal of Optics 2024; 35, 1143-1151.
A Badawi and SS Alharthi. Developing the optical and radiation shielding of PVA/PVP blend by doping with Fe/NiO nanoparticles. Journal of the Indian Chemical Society 2025; 102, 101752.
MA El-Morsy, NS Awwad, HA Ibrahium and MO Farea. Optical, and electrical conductivity properties of ZnO and TiO2 nanoparticles scattered in PEO-PVA for electrical devices. Results in Physics 2023; 50, 106592.
SJ Ahmed and E Al-Bermany. Performance SiO2, GO, and SiO2@GO nanomaterials on fabricating new polymer nanocomposites for optical, antibacterial, and anticancer applications. Applied Nanoscience 2025; 15, 3.
G Soni, N Bhargawa and J Kaur. Fabrication of PMMA/SiO2 nanocomposite thin films: Optical and microwave radiation shielding properties. International Journal of Modern Physics B 2024; 39(16), 2550131.
AJ Farhan, K Abdali, E Al-Bermany, RG Kadhim, AN Tuama and AA Thamer. Appraisal of the impact of wrapping Sm2O3-SiO2 versatile nanoparticles on the structural, morphological, optical, and dielectric properties of PEO|SALG polymeric blend for optoelectronics, UV absorbance, and energy storage attributes. Journal of Inorganic and Organometallic Polymers and Materials 2025; 35, 3169-3181.
G Soni, N Gouttam and V Joshi. Synthesis and comparisons of optical and gamma radiation shielding properties for ZnO and SiO2 nanoparticles in PMMA nanocomposites thin films. Optik 2022; 259, 168884.
S Mansouri. Multi-nanoparticle-based composite for diagnostic X-ray shielding in computed tomography applications: A Monte Carlo study. Radiation and Environmental Biophysics 2025; 64(2), 263-274.
ME Mahmoud, AM El-Khatib, AM Halbas and RM El-Sharkawy. Ceramic tiles doped with lead oxide nanoparticles: Their fabrication, physical, mechanical characteristics and γ-ray shielding performance. Radiation Physics and Chemistry 2021; 189, 109780.
MS Rise, AH Ranjbar, H Noori and V Saheb. Bi-PMMA composite materials and their shielding capability for low energy gamma rays. Radiation Physics and Chemistry 2023; 212, 111201.
D Cao, G Yang, M Bourham and D Moneghan. Gamma radiation shielding properties of poly (methyl methacrylate)/Bi2O3 composites. Nuclear Engineering and Technology 2020; 52, 2613-2619.
Published
Issue
Section
License
Copyright (c) 2025 Walailak University
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.
