Enhanced X-ray Shielding Ability of Polymer–Nonleaded Metal Composites by Multilayer Structuring

Abstract

Polymer–nonleaded metal (tungsten, Sendust) composites were prepared to study the effects of multilayer structure on X-ray shielding ability. Though the metals were nonleaded, the metal contents were low, and the composite films were thin, the composite films showed favorable X-ray shielding ability due to the uniform dispersion of metal particles in the polymer matrix and the flake alignment (Sendust). This means that multi- layered particles can effectively absorb the penetrating photons and they fill the pin holes in the composite. More uniformly aligned Sendust shows better shielding effect than randomly oriented Sendust. The lamination order of tungsten film and Sendust composite film affects the final performance of the laminated composites. This work demonstrates that nonleaded metal–polymer composite can be applied for X-ray shielding as a reliable substitute material for lead.

Preparation, characterization and X-ray attenuation property of Gd2O3-based nanocomposites

“…(Flora et al 2012;La et al 2016). The radiation attenuation property of nanomaterials has been explored extensively in the past to replace the existing toxic lead-based materials for radiation protection (Abdulla et al 2015;Adliene et al 2015;Aral et al 2016;Fujimori et al 2011;Kim et al 2015). For example, Fontainha et al (2016) have demonstrated a 60% attenuation of X-rays of energy 40 keV by the nanocomposites of poly(vinylidene fluoride-trifluoroethylene) and zirconia nanoparticles.…”

Multilayer Structuring of Nonleaded Metal (BiSn)/Polymer/Tungsten Composites for Enhanced γ‐Ray Shielding

“…Pb, the most commonly used shielding material, is therefore used because its high Z-number, high density, and low cost make it superior to other shielding materials. [7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14] Pb-based shielding materials, however, are detrimental to worker's health and also cause environmental pollution. [9,10,14] Although tungsten (W) is the most effective and promising metal substitute for Pb compounds, its specific gravity is greater than that of Pb and is difficult to use in the fabrication of protective equipment or garment because of its high melting temperature.…”

“…[7,9] Because of the large surface-to-volume ratio of the dispersed metal particles, the composites have strong potential to absorb high-energy radiation and to be easily processed into a structured material with geometric conformability. [11][12][13] They are also lighter than their metal counterparts used in effective and durable radiation protective gear. [11] However, the metal-polymer composites have less shielding ability because of pinholes, which allow incident photons to penetrate pure polymer regions in the composite materials, and because the polymer matrix lacks shielding ability.…”

“…[11][12][13] They are also lighter than their metal counterparts used in effective and durable radiation protective gear. [11] However, the metal-polymer composites have less shielding ability because of pinholes, which allow incident photons to penetrate pure polymer regions in the composite materials, and because the polymer matrix lacks shielding ability. The shielding ability of metal-polymer composites would be substantially enhanced if the penetrating photons were stopped by a densely packed structure.…”

“…Another high Z element that has recently attracted the attention of researchers is the bismuth (Bi). [11,[15][16][17][18][19][20][21][22][23] Bi is the only nonradioactive element in nature with an atomic number (Z ¼ 83) greater than that of Pb. It is also nontoxic and harmless to the human body.…”