Enhancing Oxygen Barrier and γ-Ray Shielding Properties of Neoprene Rubber by Bismuth-Loaded Alkyne-Graphene

In nuclear research, high-performance oxygen barrier gloves are essential for glovebox operations. To enhance the oxygen barrier properties of the pure rubber material of the outer layer of the rubber gloves in glove boxes, Bi0 nanoparticles were in situ grown on acetylene-functionalized graphene oxide (A-rGO) to form Bi@A-rGO/CR membranes. These were evaluated for mechanical strength, oxygen barrier, and γ-ray shielding. Bi@A-rGO addition significantly improved the mechanical properties of CR and oxygen barrier, with a 126% increase in tensile strength to 11.12 MPa and 845% elongation at break at 2 wt % filler content. The oxygen permeation coefficient was reduced to 0.44 cm3 cm m–2 day–1 bar–1, surpassing GO/CR. The barrier enhancement is due to Bi-induced surface roughness on A-rGO, increasing oxygen molecule path length. Bi also provides γ-ray shielding, making Bi@A-rGO/CR a promising flexible material for oxygen barrier applications.