Shape-Controlled Iron–Paraffin Composites as γ- and X-ray Shielding Materials Formable by Warmth-of-Hands-Derived Plasticity

Abstract

The design of shielding materials against ionizing radiation while simultaneously displaying enhanced multifunctional characteristics remains challenging. Here, for the first time, we present moldable paraffin-based iron nano-and microcomposites attenuating γand X-radiation. The moldability was gained by the warmth-of-hands-driven plasticity, which allowed for obtaining a specific shape of the composites at room temperature. The manufactured composites contained iron particles of various sizes, ranging from 22 nm to 63 μm. The target materials were widely characterized using XRD, NMR, Raman, TGA, SEM, and EDX. In the case of microcomposites, the shielding properties were developed at two concentrations: 10 and 50 wt %. The statistically significant results indicate that the iron particle size has a negligible effect on the shielding properties of the nano-and microcomposites. On the other hand, the higher iron particle contents significantly affected the attenuating ability, which emerged even as superior to the elemental aluminum in the X-ray range: at a 70 kV anode voltage, the half value layer was 6.689, 1.882, and 0.462 cm for aluminum, paraffin + 10 wt % Fe 3.5−6.5 μm, and paraffin + 50 wt % Fe 3.5−6.5 μm microcomposites, respectively. Importantly, the elaborated methodology�in situ cross-verified in the hospital studies recording real-life sampling�opens the pathway to high-performance, eco-friendly, lightweight, and recyclable shields manufactured via fully reproducible and scalable protocols.

Effect of Bentonite on the Electrical Properties of a Polylactide-Based Nanocomposite

“…They also described the possibilities of using these materials in the nuclear energy sector [33]. The nanocomposites exhibit some superior properties to the classic radiation shielding materials (especially lead), which, besides its lower toxicity, is its flexibility and easy formulation [34][35][36]. Hence, this area seems to be of significant interest.…”