Construction of a Medical Radiation-Shielding Environment by Analyzing the Weaving Characteristics and Shielding Performance of Shielding Fibers Using X-ray-Impermeable Materials

Abstract

As the scope of radiation use in medical and industrial fields has expanded, interest in radiation shielding is increasing. Most existing radiation shields use Pb-based products, primarily in the form of a laminated sheet, which requires attention as fine cracks may occur depending on the usage and storage conditions. The weight of the sheets limits users’ activities, and they pose a risk of heavy metal contamination. To address these problems, this study proposed a shielding fiber with improved flexibility and workability, and thus, produce a shielding garment. Masterbatches of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) fiber were manufactured using the eco-friendly materials, BaSO4 and Bi2O3. Yarns were fabricated by the melt spinning process, and fabrics were woven. With 5 wt% of shielding material, the yarns’ shield against radiation and was sufficiently strong for fabric weaving. The fibers’ radiation shielding averaged 9–13%, with the Bi2O3 fiber displaying better shielding performance than the BaSO4. It is believed that the findings of this study on improving the yarn manufacturing process could be applied for protection against low-dose and scattered rays in medical applications and for aerospace radiation protection. In addition, the proposed shielding fibers’ flexibility makes them suitable for future use in the production of various radiation shields.

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

“…It should be noted that in Moonkum's research, radiation shields with the same thickness were used. Kim et al 1 showed that in the same thickness, yarns' shields containing Bi 2 O 3 and BaSO 4 have good protective performance, and the yarns containing bismuth are efficient in effective energies of 25.2 to 57.3 keV. Schlattl et al 18 investigated the effectiveness of tin, tin-bismuth and lead shields in the energy spectrum of 60 kVp and showed that the surface dose is the highest while using the tin shield, and it will be lowest using the lead shield.…”

“…Medical imaging modalities with ionising radiation, such as X-ray radiation, increase the collective dose of the population due to the increasing rate of examinations. 1 One of the radiation protection methods is the use of protective aprons, which are used in diagnostic X-ray imaging, angiography and intervention procedures. [2][3][4][5] The use of lead (Pb) in protective aprons for the purpose of radiation protection has been common selection in the past years.…”

Tungsten-Based Hybrid Composite Shield for Medical Radioisotope Defense

“…The PET yarn was made using barium sulfate and bismuth oxide to increase the shielding performance. Each master batch including these two materials was kneaded with natural PET at 290 • C, and then two types of yarn each containing 5 wt% were produced by melt spinning [26]. Table 1 shows the weave characteristics of the fibers used as the outer skin of the shielding sheet.…”

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

“…17−19 However, due to the poor air permeability of rubber-based PPE, gas exchange cannot be carried out on both sides of PPE, and it is difficult for nuclearrelated personnel to effectively dissipate heat when working, making it impossible for workers to wear PPE for a long time, thereby reducing wearing comfort and productivity. 20,21 Therefore, it is imperative to develop air-permeable flexible materials that can enhance both the wearing comfort and radiation safety aspects of PPE.…”

“…In other words, personal protective equipment (PPE) plays a crucial role in both current and future contexts. Rubber matrix composites containing heavy metal elements such as lead (Pb) and tungsten (W) are often used in the production of PPE. − The high-density electron cloud unique to heavy metal elements such as Pb and W increases the possibility of collisions between high-energy photons and electrons, thus achieving the purpose of radiation shielding. − In addition, the flexibility of the rubber matrix composites meets the conditions for the use of PPE. − However, due to the poor air permeability of rubber-based PPE, gas exchange cannot be carried out on both sides of PPE, and it is difficult for nuclear-related personnel to effectively dissipate heat when working, making it impossible for workers to wear PPE for a long time, thereby reducing wearing comfort and productivity. , Therefore, it is imperative to develop air-permeable flexible materials that can enhance both the wearing comfort and radiation safety aspects of PPE.…”