Bismuth oxide nanostructure dispersed chitosan-poly vinyl alcohol composite as beta ray attenuator

The radiation attenuation properties of Bi₂O₃-dispersed chitosan (CH)–poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) blend films were investigated for beta radiation shielding applications. Polymer blend films with different CH–PVA ratios were prepared, and a controlled amount of synthesized Bi₂O₃ nanostructures was dispersed into the polymer matrix using ultrasonication. The attenuation behavior of the prepared films was systematically studied at a beta energy of 766 keV. Structural, optical, thermal, and morphological characterizations using UV–Visible spectroscopy, TGA, XRD, FTIR, and FESEM revealed that the Bi₂O₃-dispersed CH(20)–PVA(80) blend exhibits superior attenuation performance compared to other compositions. FESEM analysis confirms relatively uniform dispersion of Bi₂O₃ nanostructures within the CH(20)–PVA(80) matrix, forming a homogeneous co-continuous composite, whereas other blend compositions show comparatively heterogeneous morphologies with submicron nanostructured features. The incorporation of Bi₂O₃ also leads to improved mechanical strength and enhanced attenuation performance compared to the corresponding pure polymer blends. These results demonstrate that Bi₂O₃-dispersed CH–PVA composites are promising lightweight, flexible, and non-toxic materials for beta radiation attenuation applications.