Synergistic effect of β-Bi2O3 and graphene/MWCNT in silicone-based polymeric matrices on diagnostic X-ray attenuation

A new method in the production of protective sheets against X-ray radiation

Today, the use of X-rays in diagnosing and sometimes treating patients is inevitable. Despite the many benefits of using X-rays in medical and other sciences, the harmful effects of this radiation on human tissue should not be neglected. One of the best ways to prevent the harmful effects of X-rays on the human body is to use appropriate covers against these rays. It seems that it is necessary to find effective particles to weaken X-rays and choose a suitable substrate with high mechanical resistance to scatter particles in it. In this study, the synthesis of SnO2 nanoparticles from SnCl2.2H2O precursor and BaSO4 nanoparticles from BaCl2.2H2O precursor using neem tree extract (Azadirachta indica) as a reducing and stabilizing agent is reported. After the synthesis of nanoparticles, their structure was investigated by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive X-ray analysis. Then the desired composite and nanocomposite were prepared in the polymer substrate. The sheets were prepared using an extruder and then a hot hydraulic press. The output sheets had a thickness of 1 mm. The structural characteristics of the produced sheets such as surface morphology, density of prepared composites, mechanical properties, thermal gravimetric analysis and retention of loaded particles after three times washes were investigated. The X-ray attenuation capability of each sample was evaluated by calculating the linear attenuation coefficient for each prepared sample. The results show that all sheets filled with tin and barium micro and nano particles have more X-ray attenuation capabilities than pure polymer. Among the prepared sheets, the nanocomposite prepared from low-density polyethylene (77 %) + SnO2 (10 %) + BaSO4 (10 %) + multi-walled carbon nanotubes (3 %) showed the highest X-ray attenuation.