Analysis of Shielding Performance of Radiation-Shielding Materials According to Particle Size and Clustering Effects

Abstract

In the field of medical radiation shielding, there is an extensive body of research on process technologies for ecofriendly shielding materials that could replace lead. In particular, the particle size and arrangement of the shielding material when blended with a polymer material affect shielding performance. In this study, we observed how the particle size of the shielding material affects shielding performance. Performance and particle structure were observed for every shielding sheet, which were fabricated by mixing microparticles and nanoparticles with a polymer material using the same process. We observed that the smaller the particle size was, the higher both the clustering and shielding effects in the high-energy region. Thus, shielding performance can be improved. In the low-dose region, the effect of particle size on shielding performance was insignificant. Moreover, the shielding sheet in which nanoparticles and microsized particles were mixed showed similar performance to that of the shielding sheet containing only microsized particles. Findings indicate that, when fabricating a shielding sheet using a polymer material, the smaller the particles in the high-energy region are, the better the shielding performance is. However, in the low-energy region, the effect of the particles is insignificant.

Preparation of Nano-PbWO4 Particles by Polymaleic Acid Modification: A Highly Filled Nonwoven Membrane Used To Improve the Wearing Comfort and Radiation Safety of γ-ray Protection Products

“…As shown in Figure , the presence of a large number of functional particles in the densely stacked nonwoven fibers ensures effective radiation protection, while the presence of curved channels between the fibers also meets the air permeability requirements . In relation to extensive research on employing nonwoven membranes for X-ray shielding, such as WO 3 , Bi 2 O 3 , and W, it is noteworthy that the filling rate of functional fillers in polymers remains relatively low. − According to the traditional radiation shielding theory, the size and filling amount of functional particles play a crucial role in improving the radiation protection ability of composite materials. − This implies that meeting the criteria for effective shielding against high-energy γ-rays becomes challenging when the filling is low. Consequently, highly filled polymer nonwoven membranes are regarded as potential contenders for manufacturing PPE with significant promise.…”

Impact of Growth Temperature of Lead-Oxide Nanostructures on the Attenuation of Gamma Radiation

“…The impact of particle size on the shielding effectiveness was minimal in the low-dose area. 29 In this work, the CBD process was used to produce PbO NSs on glass substrates in order to provide a flexible protective shield of fabric or an apron made of lead or lead-oxide material. The PbO NSs are used for protection against ionizing radiation to meet safety requirements and protect medical people from ionizing radiation.…”

“…As a result, the shielding effectiveness can be raised. The impact of particle size on the shielding effectiveness was minimal in the low-dose area …”

How efficient are metal‐polymer and dual‐metals‐polymer non‐lead radiation shields?

“…These aprons should have radiation attenuation equivalent to 0.25, 0.5 and 1 mm of lead. [6][7][8][9] In order to create flexibility in the aprons, silicone rubber or polymer materials, such as flexible PVC, are applied. 7,10,11 For the purpose of weight reduction and to eliminate the lead health hazards and environmental pollution, the replacement of other materials instead of lead in radiation protection aprons has been considered.…”

“…Two important factors for choosing aprons are the weight and the protection provided by these shields. These aprons should have radiation attenuation equivalent to 0.25, 0.5 and 1 mm of lead 6–9 . In order to create flexibility in the aprons, silicone rubber or polymer materials, such as flexible PVC, are applied 7,10,11 .…”