Tungsten-based material as promising new lead-free gamma radiation shielding material in nuclear medicine

Abstract

The main objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of tungsten carbide as new lead-free radiation shielding material in nuclear medicine by evaluating the attenuation properties. Materials and methods: The elemental composition of tungsten carbide was analysed using Field-Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM) with energy dispersive X-ray (EDX). The purity of tungsten carbide was 99.9%, APS: 40-50 µm. Three discs of tungsten carbide was fabricated with thickness of 0.1 cm, 0.5 cm and 1.0 cm. Three lead discs with similar thickness were used to compare the attenuation properties with tungsten carbide discs. Energy calibration of gamma spectroscopy was performed by using 123 I, 133 Ba, 152 Eu, and 137 Cs. Gamma radiation from these sources were irradiated on both materials at energies ranging from 0.160 MeV to 0.779 MeV. The experimental attenuation coefficients of lead and tungsten carbide were compared with theoretical attenuation coefficients of both materials from NIST database. The half value layer and mean free path of both materials were also evaluated in this study. Results: This study found that the peaks obtained from gamma spectroscopy have linear relationship with all energies used in this study. The relative differences between the measured and theoretical mass attenuation coefficients are within 0.19-5.11% for both materials. Tungsten carbide has low half value layer and mean free path compared to lead for all thickness at different energies. Conclusion:This study shows that tungsten carbide has high potential to replace lead as new lead-free radiation shielding material in nuclear medicine.

Trends in reinforced composite design for ionizing radiation shielding applications: a review

“…Related results were also found using high-density polyethylene/wolfram and boron carbide [26], Zirconia nanoparticles/Polyvinylidene fluoride-tryfluorethylene copolymers [27], Boron carbide (B 4 C)/ polyimide [28], polymethyl methacrylate/bismuth trioxide particles [29], Red mud/ Brine sludge/epoxy resin [30], epoxy/boron carbide (B 4 C)/lead (Pb)/graphene oxide [31], Tungsten-based material [15,17] and Polyvinyl Pyrrolidone in Polyethylene and copper oxide nanoparticles [32]. These studies suggest that reinforced composites can reasonably replace lead as a robust shielding material.…”

“…Example are the expected attenuation levels, simplicity of heat dissipation, protection from radiation damage, dependable thickness-to-weight ratio, long-term usage, consistency of shielding ability and accessibility. The attenuation level is thus reliant upon the shield's cross-section [15]. A potential shielding material ought to possess reasonably high thermal properties.…”

“…During the design of a potential shielding device, equilibrium should be made between the cost, accessibility, and simplicity of design and the impact of the shield size, weight and setup on the users. Large literary evidence [15][16][17] showed that tungsten and lead are tenacious in the attenuation of gamma radiation, while high thickness concrete and reinforced polyethylene are better materials for halting neutrons. The designer ought to likewise know about the material's scrap value and the adaptability of the materials.…”

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

“…Radiation shielding is usually applied for protection against ionizing radiation. For this purpose, the higher the atomic number of the material constituting the shield and the thicker the shield, the greater the shielding efficiency [15]. In medical institutions, there is an increasing interest in using non-Pb shielding sheets and shielding fibers for protection against radiation.…”

Development of Medical Radiation Shield Using Density-Enhanced Recycled Oyster Shells

“…Therefore, these weights limit their activity. To solve this problem, extensive research is being devoted to the development of new radiation-shielding materials, with lighter, more ecofriendly materials including tungsten, bismuth, barium, boron, and tin among the alternatives proposed 10,11,12,13,14 . These lead substitutes are free from the risks associated with heavy metals; however, to be used for radiation-shielding sheets, they must be compatible with polymeric materials 15,16 .…”