Polymer nanocomposite‐based shielding against diagnostic X‐rays

Abstract

Lead is commonly used in medical radiology departments as a shielding material. Lead‐based protective materials are also used by clinical personnel during X‐ray image‐guided interventional radiology (IVR) procedures. However, lead is extremely toxic and prolonged exposure to it can result in serious health concerns. Polymer composites, on the other hand, can be designed to be lead‐free in addition to being lightweight, conformable, cost effective, and potentially capable of significantly attenuating X‐rays. Nanomaterials have unique material properties that can be exploited to develop novel lead‐free radiation‐protection materials. In this study, polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) nanocomposites were fabricated using different weight percentages (wt %) of bismuth oxide (BO) nanopowder. The attenuation properties of the nanocomposites were characterized using diagnostic X‐ray energies from 40 to 150 kV tube potential and were compared to the attenuation characteristics of 0.25‐mm‐thick pure lead sheet. The PDMS/BO nanocomposite (44.44 wt% of BO and 3.73‐mm thick) was capable of attenuating all the scattered X‐rays generated at a tube potential of 60 kV, which is the beam energy commonly employed in IVR. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2013

Preparation and characterization of tungsten/epoxy composites for γ-rays radiation shielding

“…However, high Z elements may not be able to block all types of radiations, particularly the emissions of neutrons in space or nuclear laboratories. Also, they are restricted in some applications due to the heavy weight, bulky space, and toxicity (lead) [1][2][3]. Therefore, non-toxic ''lead-free'' filler-reinforced polymer composite for its lightweight, workability, and ability to effectively attenuate radiation has aroused great public interest in many areas, especially in medical treatment, nuclear plant and mobile nuclear devices.…”

“…Therefore, non-toxic ''lead-free'' filler-reinforced polymer composite for its lightweight, workability, and ability to effectively attenuate radiation has aroused great public interest in many areas, especially in medical treatment, nuclear plant and mobile nuclear devices. For example, the ethylene-propylenediene rubber (EPDM)/low density polyethylene (LDPE) mixed with boron carbide has been widely used for neutron shielding [4], and the polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) blended with bismuth oxide (BiO) nanoparticles used to shield against X-ray with the voltage range from 40 to 150 kV [3]. But their poor mechanical strength, low thermal stability and radiation resistance make them not suitable for a long-term use.…”

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

“…7 Percentage X-ray attenuation of the matrix and G1-25, G1-2.5, G2-25 and G2-2.5 nanocomposite blocks as a function of X-ray photon energy attenuation as the material under consideration under similar conditions of irradiation (Nambiar et al 2013;Scuderi et al 2006). Thus, it is a standard reference for non-lead shielding material (Nambiar et al 2013;Scuderi et al 2006). The lead equivalence of nanocomposites containing G1 and G2 nanoparticles (25 wt%) at X-ray photon energy of 40 keV is found to be 0.094 and 0.08 mm, respectively.…”

Manufacturing and property evaluations of X-ray shielding fabric and pattern making of vests

“…Furthermore, the value is slightly higher than that of X-ray shielding fabrics. Nambiar et al [13] combine polydimethylsiloxane resins and 37.73 or 44.44 wt% of bismuth oxide (BO) nanopowders, and the X-ray shielding effect of two composite types at 50 kV are 85 % and 90 %, respectively. In this study, the X-ray shielding powder used in X-ray shielding fabric weigh 5 % to 20.83 %, and that used in double-layer X-ray shielding fabric is 26.92 wt%.…”