Abstract

The aim of this study was to explore the development of lead-free X-ray shielding rubber nanocomposites with improved mechanical properties. In specific, gadolinium oxide (Gd₂O₃) nano-flakes (with thickness of ∼20 nm and sizes being tens of nanometers) were first prepared via the co-precipitation spray drying method; subsequently, the prepared Gd₂O₃ nano-flakes were uniformly dispersed into nitrile butadiene rubber (NBR) followed by vulcanization for the fabrication of flexible and lightweight X-ray shielding nanocomposites. Compared with the Gd₂O₃/NBR conventional composites made from a Gd₂O₃ powder with particle sizes in the range of 5–20 µm, the fabricated Gd₂O₃/NBR nanocomposites exhibited significantly higher tensile strength, Shore A hardness, and X-ray shielding properties while the rubbery characteristic (i.e. elasticity) was retained.