Neutron Shielding Performance of Bio-Based Modified and Unmodified Rosins

Bilge Yılmaz; Selcen Uzun Duran; Hilal Fazli; İlhan Deniz

Neutron Shielding Performance of Bio-Based Modified and Unmodified Rosins

Abstract

This study aims to determine the neutron radiation attenuation capacities of bio-based rosin (ROSIN) and some of its derivatives glycerol ester pine rosin (GEK) and tall oil pentaerythritol ester (TOPEK) by means of comprehensive tests and characterization analyses. First, the chemical structures and physical properties of modified and unmodified rosin samples were characterized using Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectrophotometry, Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA), and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). Following the characterization studies, ROSIN, GEK, and TOPEK samples were subjected to a series of additional analyses to determine their neutron radiation attenuation capacities. The neutron attenuation results yielded generally promising macroscopic cross-sections (cm-1) values of 0.59 cm-1 for ROSIN, 0.72 cm-1 for GEK, and 0.65 cm-1 for TOPEK. According to the results, ROSIN has much macroscopic cross section value than epoxy (0.58 cm-1) , GEK was found to be higher than that of paraffin and epoxy which are commercially used as a neutron absorber. These findings indicate that rosin and its derivatives can be considered as potential candidates for the development of bio-based neutron-shielding material formulations for use in biomedical technologies.

Keywords

Ethical Statement

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Thanks

The authors would like to thank Prof. Dr. İskender Atilla Reyhancan and Sahip Kızıltaş for their kind support.

References

Aldas, M., Ferri, J. M., Lopez‐Martinez, J., Samper, M. D., Arrieta, M. P., 2020: “Effect of pine resin derivatives on the structural, thermal, and mechanical properties of Mater‐Bi type bioplastic,” Journal of Applied Polymer Science 137(4), article 48236, https://doi.org/10.1002/app.48236.
Alver, Ü., Duran, S. U., Demirköz, M. B., Mucogllava, B., Aslan, M., Cava, K., Dindar, O., 2023: Ulexite/HDPE-Bi2O3/HDPE layered composites for neutron and gamma radiation shielding. Applied Radiation and Isotopes, 200, 110940, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apradiso.2023.110940.
Azémard, C., Vieillescazes, C., Ménager, M., 2014: “Effect of photodegradation on the identification of natural varnishes by FT-IR spectroscopy,” Microchemical Journal 112, 137-149, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.microc.2013.09.020
Cao, D., Yang, G., Bourham, M., Moneghan, D., 2020: Gamma radiation shielding properties of poly (methyl methacrylate)/Bi2O3 composites. Nuclear Engineering and Technology, 52(11), 2613-2619, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.net.2020.04.026.
Czerwińska, N., Yılmaz, B., Fazlı, H., Akçay, S. B., Boyracı, G. M., Yıldız, O., Ruello, M. L., 2025: Fabrication of Novel Rosin-based Antibacterial Nanofibers for Particulate Matter Removal. Journal of Polymers and the Environment, 33(10), 4364-4377. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10924-025-03653-x.
De La Rosa‐Ramírez, H., Aldas, M., Ferri, J. M., López‐Martínez, J., Samper, M. D., 2020: Modification of poly (lactic acid) through the incorporation of gum rosin and gum rosin derivative: Mechanical performance and hydrophobicity. Journal of Applied Polymer Science, 137(44), 49346, https://doi.org/10.1002/app.49346.
Dong, M., Zhou, S., Ge, C., Yang, H., Liu, M., Lakshminarayana, G., Xue, X., 2023: Green and low-carbon upcycling of ludwigite: Prepared shields against nuclear radiation hazards and shielding mechanism. Radiation Physics and Chemistry, 208, 110931, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.radphyschem.2023.110931.
Kaçal, M. R., Akman, F., Sayyed, M. I., 2019: Evaluation of gamma-ray and neutron attenuation properties of some polymers. Nuclear Engineering and Technology, 51(3), 818-824, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.net.2018.11.011.

Kipcak, A. S., Gurses, P., Derun, E. M., Tugrul, N., Piskin, S., 2013: Characterization of boron carbide particles and its shielding behavior against neutron radiation. Energy conversion and management, 72, 39-44, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.enconman.2012.08.026.
Kızıl, R., Irudayaraj, J., Seetharaman, K., 2002: “Characterization of irradiated starches by using FT-Raman and FTIR spectroscopy,” Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry 50(14), 3912-3918, DOI: 10.1021/jf011652p.
Knoll GF Radiation Detection and Measurement, 4th ed.; John Wiley & Sons, USA, 2010; pp.54, ISBN: 978-0470-13148-0.
More, C. V., Alsayed, Z., Badawi, M. S., Thabet, A. A., Pawar, P. P., 2021: Polymeric composite materials for radiation shielding: a review. Environmental chemistry letters, 19(3), 2057-2090, https://doi.org/10.1007/s10311-021-01189-9.
Oraby, H., Hegazy, G. E., ElTalawy, S. M., & Nabil, I. M., 2025: Polyurethane-based foam composites: synthesis, structural characteristics, and radiation shielding properties. Scientific Reports, 15(1), 12227, https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-95497-7.
Shin, J. W., Lee, J. W., Yu, S., Baek, B. K., Hong, J. P., Seo, Y., Koo, C. M., 2014: Polyethylene/boron-containing composites for radiation shielding. Thermochimica Acta, 585, 5-9, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tca.2014.03.039.
Soykan, U., Akdogan, E., Uzun Duran, S., Alver, U., 2025b: A Green and Sustainable Solution for Neutron Shielding: Preparation and Evaluation of Biodegradable Boron‐Incorporated Rigid Polyurethane Foam Composites With Enhanced Radiation Attenuation and Physicomechanical Features. Polymer Engineering & Science, https://doi.org/10.1002/pen.70131.
Soykan, U., Kalkan, Y., Kaya, S., Duran, S. U., Terzioglu, R., Cetin, S., 2025a: Remarkable improvement in radiation shielding efficiency, thermal insulation performance and compressive strength of rigid polyurethane foam composites by synergetic effect of PbO and colemanite fillers. Radiation Physics and Chemistry, 227, 112401, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.radphyschem.2024.112401.
Sun, P., Wang, S., Huang, Z., Zhang, L., Dong, F., Xu, X., Liu, H., 2022: Water-resistant, strong, degradable and recyclable rosin-grafted cellulose composite paper. Green Chem. 24 (19), 7519–7530, https://doi.org/10.1039/d2gc02372e.
Topuz, A. I., Reyhancan, I. A., 2018: Neutronic Analysis of a Nuclear-Chicago NH3 Neutron Howitzer. arXiv preprint arXiv:1806.05255, https://doi.org/10.48550/arXiv.1806.05255.
Tudorachi, N., Mustaţă, F., Bicu, I., 2012: Thermal decomposition of some Diels–Alder adducts of resin acids: study of kinetics process. Journal of Analytical and Applied Pyrolysis, 98, 106-114, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jaap.2012.07.013.
Unscear, V. I., United Nations Scientific Committee on the Effects of Atomic Radiation. 2000: Report to the general assembly. Anex B: Exposures from Natural Radiation Sources, New York.
Wang, H., Huang, Q., Zhai, Y., 2022: Influences of modified Sm2O3 on thermal stability, mechanical and neutron shielding properties of aminophenol trifunctional epoxy resin. Polymers 14(3) 638, https://doi.org/10.3390/polym14030638.
Wilbon, P.A., Chu, F., Tang, C., 2013: Progress in renewable polymers from natural terpenes, terpenoids, and rosin. Macromol. Rapid Commun. 34, 8e37, https://doi.org/10.1002/marc.201200513.
Xu, Z., Lou, W., Zhao, G., Zhang, M., Hao, J., Wang, X., 2019: “Pentaerythritol rosin ester as an environmentally friendly multifunctional additive in vegetable oil-based lubricant,” Tribology Int. 135, 213-218, DOI: 10.1016/j.triboint.2019.02.038.
Yılmaz, B., Deniz, I., Fazlı, H., Bekircan, O., Gültekin, E., Pranovich, A., 2024b: Development of biobased, sustainable and environmentally friendly glycerol ester rosins for the production of thermoplastic road marking paint. Journal of Applied Polymer Science, 141(38), e55961, https://doi.org/10.1002/app.55961
Yilmaz, B., Deniz, I., Fazli, H., Bekircan, O., Pranovich, A., Karaoğul, E., 2024a: Sustainable Thermoplastic Road Marking Paint Production from Natural Modified Rosins. BioResources, 19(2), 10.15376/biores.19.2.2160-2178
Zhang, Y., Chen, F., Tang, X., Huang, H., Chen, T., Sun, X., 2018: Boracic polyethylene/polyethylene wax blends and open-cell nickel foams as neutron-shielding composite. Journal of Reinforced Plastics and Composites, 37(3), 181-190, https://doi.org/10.1177/07316844177383.
Zhou, D., Wang, L., Chen, X., Wei, X., Liang, J., Tang, W, Yin, L., 2020: “Formation regulation of various rosin esters and intensification mechanism using pressurized CO2,” Journal of Wood Chemistry and Technology 40(6), 382-395. DOI: 10.1080/02773813.2020.1828473

Details

Primary Language

English

Subjects

Forest Products Chemistry

Journal Section

Research Article

Authors

Bilge Yılmaz ^*
0000-0001-8061-8406
Türkiye

Selcen Uzun Duran
0000-0003-4943-4654
Türkiye

Hilal Fazli
0000-0002-9285-1026
Türkiye

İlhan Deniz
0000-0003-1821-5416
Türkiye

Publication Date

December 30, 2025

Submission Date

November 21, 2025

Acceptance Date

December 26, 2025

Published in Issue

Year 2025 Volume: 1 Number: 2

IZ

https://izlik.org/JA23DD72XG

Cite

RIS / Bibtex

APA

Yılmaz, B., Uzun Duran, S., Fazli, H., & Deniz, İ. (2025). Neutron Shielding Performance of Bio-Based Modified and Unmodified Rosins. Forest and Wood Science, 1(2), 20-30. https://izlik.org/JA23DD72XG

AMA

1.Yılmaz B, Uzun Duran S, Fazli H, Deniz İ. Neutron Shielding Performance of Bio-Based Modified and Unmodified Rosins. FOWS. 2025;1(2):20-30. https://izlik.org/JA23DD72XG

Chicago

Yılmaz, Bilge, Selcen Uzun Duran, Hilal Fazli, and İlhan Deniz. 2025. “Neutron Shielding Performance of Bio-Based Modified and Unmodified Rosins”. Forest and Wood Science 1 (2): 20-30. https://izlik.org/JA23DD72XG.

EndNote

Yılmaz B, Uzun Duran S, Fazli H, Deniz İ (December 1, 2025) Neutron Shielding Performance of Bio-Based Modified and Unmodified Rosins. Forest and Wood Science 1 2 20–30.

IEEE

[1]B. Yılmaz, S. Uzun Duran, H. Fazli, and İ. Deniz, “Neutron Shielding Performance of Bio-Based Modified and Unmodified Rosins”, FOWS, vol. 1, no. 2, pp. 20–30, Dec. 2025, [Online]. Available: https://izlik.org/JA23DD72XG

ISNAD

Yılmaz, Bilge - Uzun Duran, Selcen - Fazli, Hilal - Deniz, İlhan. “Neutron Shielding Performance of Bio-Based Modified and Unmodified Rosins”. Forest and Wood Science 1/2 (December 1, 2025): 20-30. https://izlik.org/JA23DD72XG.

JAMA

1.Yılmaz B, Uzun Duran S, Fazli H, Deniz İ. Neutron Shielding Performance of Bio-Based Modified and Unmodified Rosins. FOWS. 2025;1:20–30.

MLA

Yılmaz, Bilge, et al. “Neutron Shielding Performance of Bio-Based Modified and Unmodified Rosins”. Forest and Wood Science, vol. 1, no. 2, Dec. 2025, pp. 20-30, https://izlik.org/JA23DD72XG.

Vancouver

1.Bilge Yılmaz, Selcen Uzun Duran, Hilal Fazli, İlhan Deniz. Neutron Shielding Performance of Bio-Based Modified and Unmodified Rosins. FOWS [Internet]. 2025 Dec. 1;1(2):20-3. Available from: https://izlik.org/JA23DD72XG