Characterization of Photocurable Functionalized-CNT Nanocoating to Mitigate the Naturally Emission of Radon Gas

Aisha Dalila Ab Aziz (Malaysian Nuclear Agency, Bangi)
Mohd Hamzah Harun (Malaysian Nuclear Agency, Bangi)
Izzuddin Mohamad Zaharuddin (Malaysian Nuclear Agency, Bangi)
Nor Adnin Ezani Mohd Ezani (Malaysian Nuclear Agency, Bangi)
Norfazlinayati Othman (Malaysian Nuclear Agency, Bangi)
Mahathir Mohamed (Malaysian Nuclear Agency, Bangi)
Mohd Sofian Alias
Mohd Faizal Abd Rahman (Malaysian Nuclear Agency, Bangi)
Khairil Nor Kamal Umar (Malaysian Nuclear Agency, Bangi)
Nurul Huda Mudri (Malaysian Nuclear Agency, Bangi)
Khairul Azhar Abdul Halim (Malaysian Nuclear Agency, Bangi)
Mohamad Syahiran Mustafa (Malaysian Nuclear Agency, Bangi)
Lakam Mejus (Malaysian Nuclear Agency, Bangi)
Faizal Azrin Abdul Razalim (Malaysian Nuclear Agency, Bangi)
Rosley Che Ismail (Malaysian Nuclear Agency, Bangi)
Abdul Muiz Mohd Sani (Malaysian Nuclear Agency, Bangi)
Sharilla Mohd Faisal (Malaysian Nuclear Agency, Bangi)
Rida Tajau (Malaysian Nuclear Agency, Bangi)

Journal of Material Science and Radiation
Vol. 1 No. 3 (2025): December

This study focuses on the synthesis and characterization of an anti-radon photocurable nanocoating formulated using a UV-curable formulation incorporated with functionalized carbon nanotubes (F-CNTs). The coating was prepared using Ebecryl 600 (urethane acrylate oligomer) and TMPTA (monomer), with GPTMS as a coupling agent and various photoinitiator combinations. Different F-CNT loadings ranging from 0.1 to 0.9 wt% were studied to evaluate their effects on coating performance. The samples were cured under UV irradiation for 2–20 passes to investigate the influence of exposure time on polymer crosslinking. Characterization analyses including pendulum hardness, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), viscosity, gel content, and radon gas permeability were performed. Results indicated that the incorporation of F-CNTs enhanced the mechanical strength and crosslinking density of the coating. The optimal formulation exhibited a hardness of 150.33 s (BAPO + 8 passes) and a gel content of 97%. Furthermore, radon concentration measurements showed a 28.9% reduction after applying a single coating layer, confirming the coating’s potential as an effective barrier for radon gas mitigation.