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Gouda MM, Osman AF, Awad R, Badawi MS. Enhanced radiation shielding efficiency of polystyrene nanocomposites with tailored lead oxide nanoparticles. Sci Rep 2024; 14:19970. [PMID: 39198530 PMCID: PMC11358478 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-69510-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2024] [Accepted: 08/06/2024] [Indexed: 09/01/2024] Open
Abstract
In this study, we investigated a novel polymer nano-composite, PS-PbO, containing two distinct nano-sizes of lead oxide nanoparticles (PbO-A and PbO-B), in addition to the bulk size (PbO-K). These nanoparticles were embedded separately in a polystyrene (PS) matrix at different weight percentages (10%, 15%, 25%, and 35%) using roll mill mixing and compressing molding. Our evaluation focused on the radiation attenuation ability of PS-PbO and the effect of particle size, considering gamma-ray energies ranging from 0.06 to 1.3 MeV (from sources like 241Am, 133Ba, 137Cs, and 60Co). The linear attenuation coefficient (LAC) was determined by analyzing samples of the synthesized composite with different thicknesses. Then, various shielding parameters were calculated, including total molecular, atomic, and electronic cross-sections (σmol, σatm, σel), as well as the effective atomic number and the electron density (Zeff and Neff). Surprisingly, modifying PbO particle sizes had a significant impact on shielding efficiency. For instance, the composite with 25 wt% of the smallest PbO-B particles showed a 26.7% increase in LAC at 0.059 keV compared to the composite with 25 wt% of PbO-K (larger particles). Notably, the LAC peaked at low energy (0.059 keV), close to the K-edge of Pb, where interaction is directly proportional to Z4. With increasing PbO concentrations, the LAC of PS-PbO composites increased steadily. Additionally, as PbO concentration increased, the composite's effective atomic number Zeff and the electron density Neff increased, leading to a greater total Gamma-ray interaction cross-section. Furthermore, when comparing the Half-Value Layers of the novel nanocomposite to traditional lead shielding, a 70% reduction in mass was observed. Notably, the composite containing the smallest nano-size of PbO exhibited the highest radiation-shielding efficiency among all combinations and could therefore be used to create inexpensive and lightweight shields.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mona M Gouda
- Physics Department, Faculty of Science, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt.
| | - Ahmad Firas Osman
- Lebanese Atomic Energy Commission, National Council for Scientific Research, Beirut, Lebanon
- Department of Physics, Faculty of Science, Beirut Arab University, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Ramadan Awad
- Physics Department, Faculty of Science, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
- Department of Basic Sciences, Faculty of Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence, Pharos University in Alexandria, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Mohamed S Badawi
- Physics Department, Faculty of Science, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
- Faculty of Science, Alamein International University, Alamein City, Matrouh Governorate, Egypt
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Safari A, Rafie P, Taeb S, Najafi M, Mortazavi SMJ. Development of Lead-Free Materials for Radiation Shielding in Medical Settings: A Review. J Biomed Phys Eng 2024; 14:229-244. [PMID: 39027711 PMCID: PMC11252547 DOI: 10.31661/jbpe.v0i0.2404-1742] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2024] [Accepted: 05/20/2024] [Indexed: 07/20/2024]
Abstract
Radiation protection is an essential issue in diagnostic radiology to ensure the safety of patients, healthcare professionals, and the general public. Lead has traditionally been used as a shielding material due to its high atomic number, high density, and effectiveness in attenuating radiation. However, some concerns related to the long-term health effects of toxicity, environmental disease as well as heavy weight of lead have led to the search for alternative lead-free shielding materials. Leadfree multilayered polymer composites and non-lead nano-composite shields have been suggested as effective shielding materials to replace conventional lead-based and single metal shields. Using several elements with high density and atomic number, such as bismuth, barium, gadolinium, and tungsten, offer significant enhancements in the shielding ability of composites. This review focuses on the development and use of lead-free materials for radiation shielding in medical settings. It discusses the drawbacks of traditional lead shielding, such as toxicity, weight, and recycling challenges, and highlights the benefits of lead-free alternatives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arash Safari
- Department of Radiology, School of Paramedical Sciences, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
- Ionizing and Non-ionizing Radiation Protection Research Center (INIRPRC), Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Payman Rafie
- Department of Nuclear Engineering, School of Mechanical Engineering, Shiraz University, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Shahram Taeb
- Department of Radiology, School of Paramedical Sciences, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran
| | - Masoud Najafi
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, School of Paramedical Sciences, Kermanshah University of Medical Science, Kermanshah, Iran
| | - Seyed Mohammad Javad Mortazavi
- Ionizing and Non-ionizing Radiation Protection Research Center (INIRPRC), Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
- Department of Medical Physics and Engineering, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
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Toto E, Lambertini L, Laurenzi S, Santonicola MG. Recent Advances and Challenges in Polymer-Based Materials for Space Radiation Shielding. Polymers (Basel) 2024; 16:382. [PMID: 38337271 DOI: 10.3390/polym16030382] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2023] [Revised: 01/25/2024] [Accepted: 01/27/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Space exploration requires the use of suitable materials to protect astronauts and structures from the hazardous effects of radiation, in particular, ionizing radiation, which is ubiquitous in the hostile space environment. In this scenario, polymer-based materials and composites play a crucial role in achieving effective radiation shielding while providing low-weight and tailored mechanical properties to spacecraft components. This work provides an overview of the latest developments and challenges in polymer-based materials designed for radiation-shielding applications in space. Recent advances in terms of both experimental and numerical studies are discussed. Different approaches to enhancing the radiation-shielding performance are reported, such as integrating various types of nanofillers within polymer matrices and optimizing the materials design. Furthermore, this review explores the challenges in developing multifunctional materials that are able to provide radiation protection. By summarizing the state-of-the-art research and identifying emerging trends, this review aims to contribute to the ongoing efforts to identify polymer materials and composites that are most useful to protect human health and spacecraft performance in the harsh radiation conditions that are typically found during missions in space.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisa Toto
- Department of Astronautical, Electrical and Energy Engineering, Sapienza University of Rome, Via Salaria 851-881, 00138 Rome, Italy
| | - Lucia Lambertini
- Department of Astronautical, Electrical and Energy Engineering, Sapienza University of Rome, Via Salaria 851-881, 00138 Rome, Italy
| | - Susanna Laurenzi
- Department of Astronautical, Electrical and Energy Engineering, Sapienza University of Rome, Via Salaria 851-881, 00138 Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Gabriella Santonicola
- Department of Chemical Engineering Materials Environment, Sapienza University of Rome, Via del Castro Laurenziano 7, 00161 Rome, Italy
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Palanisami S, Dhandapani VS, Jayachandran V, Muniappan E, Park D, Kim B, Govindasami K. Investigation on Physico Chemical and X-ray Shielding Performance of Zinc Doped Nano-WO 3 Epoxy Composite for Light Weight Lead Free Aprons. MATERIALS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 16:ma16103866. [PMID: 37241493 DOI: 10.3390/ma16103866] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2023] [Revised: 05/16/2023] [Accepted: 05/18/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
This report addresses a way to reduce the usage of highly toxic lead in diagnostic X-ray shielding by developing a cost-effective, eco-friendly nano-tungsten trioxide (WO3) epoxy composite for low-weight aprons. Zinc (Zn)-doped WO3 nanoparticles of 20 to 400 nm were synthesized by an inexpensive and scalable chemical acid-precipitation method. The prepared nanoparticles were subjected to X-ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, UV-visible spectroscopy, photoluminescence, high-resolution-transmission electron microscope, scanning electron microscope, and the results showed that doping plays a critical role in influencing the physico-chemical properties. The prepared nanoparticles were used as shielding material in this study, which were dispersed in a non-water soluble durable epoxy resin polymer matrix and the dispersed materials were coated over a rexine cloth using the drop-casting method. The X-ray shielding performance was evaluated by estimating the linear attenuation coefficient (μ), mass attenuation coefficient (μm), half value layer (HVL), and X-ray percentage of attenuation. Overall, an improvement in X-ray attenuation in the range of 40-100 kVp was observed for the undoped WO3 nanoparticles and Zn-doped WO3 nanoparticles, which was nearly equal to lead oxide-based aprons (reference material). At 40 kVp, the percentage of attenuation of 2% Zn doped WO3 was 97% which was better than that of other prepared aprons. This study proves that 2% Zn doped WO3 epoxy composite yields a better particle size distribution, μm, and lower HVL value and hence it can be a convenient lead free X-ray shielding apron.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanjeevi Palanisami
- Department of Physics, PSG College of Arts & Science, Coimbatore 641014, India
| | - Vishnu Shankar Dhandapani
- Department of Electromechanical Convergence Engineering, Korea University of Technology and Education, Cheonan 31253, Republic of Korea
- School of Mechatronics Engineering, Korea University of Technology and Education, Cheonan 31253, Republic of Korea
| | - Varuna Jayachandran
- Department of Physics, PSG College of Arts & Science, Coimbatore 641014, India
| | - Elango Muniappan
- Department of Physics, PSG College of Arts & Science, Coimbatore 641014, India
| | - Dongkyou Park
- Department of Electromechanical Convergence Engineering, Korea University of Technology and Education, Cheonan 31253, Republic of Korea
| | - Byungki Kim
- School of Mechatronics Engineering, Korea University of Technology and Education, Cheonan 31253, Republic of Korea
| | - Kalpana Govindasami
- Department of Science and Humanities, Tamilnadu College of Engineering, Coimbatore 641659, India
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Osman AF, El Balaa H, El Samad O, Awad R, Badawi MS. Assessment of X-ray shielding properties of polystyrene incorporated with different nano-sizes of PbO. RADIATION AND ENVIRONMENTAL BIOPHYSICS 2023; 62:235-251. [PMID: 36939894 DOI: 10.1007/s00411-023-01017-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2022] [Accepted: 02/18/2023] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
PbO (lead oxide) particles with different sizes were incorporated into polystyrene (PS) with various weight fractions (0, 10, 15, 25, 35%). These novel PS/PbO nano-composites were produced by roll mill mixing and compressing molding techniques and then investigated for radiation attenuation of X-rays (N-series/ISO 4037) typically used in radiology. Properties of the PbO particles were studied by X-ray diffraction (XRD). Filler dispersion and elemental composition of the prepared nano-composites were characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), revealing better filler distribution and fewer agglomerations with smaller PbO particle size. Linear and mass attenuation coefficients (μ and μm), total molecular and atomic cross-sections (σmol and σatm), as well as effective atomic number and electron density (Zeff and Neff), were calculated for the energy range N40 to N200. The influence of PbO weight percentage on the enhancement of the shielding parameters of the nano-composites was expected; however, the effect of PbO particle size was surprising. Linear and mass attenuation coefficients for PS/PbO composites increased gradually with increasing PbO concentrations, and composites with a small size of nanoparticles showed best performance. In addition, increasing PbO concentration raised the effective atomic number Zeff of the composite. Hence, the electron density Neff increased, which provided a higher total interaction cross-section of X-rays with the composites. Maximum radiation shielding was observed for PS/PbO(B). It is concluded that this material might be used in developping low-cost and lightweight X-ray shielding to be used in radiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmad Firas Osman
- Department of Physics, Beirut Arab University, Beirut, Lebanon
- Lebanese Atomic Energy Commission, National Council for Scientific Research, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Hanna El Balaa
- Lebanese Atomic Energy Commission, National Council for Scientific Research, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Omar El Samad
- Lebanese Atomic Energy Commission, National Council for Scientific Research, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Ramadan Awad
- Department of Physics, Beirut Arab University, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Mohamed S Badawi
- Department of Physics, Beirut Arab University, Beirut, Lebanon.
- Physics Department, Faculty of Science, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt.
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Kaewpirom S, Chousangsuntorn K, Boonsang S. Evaluation of Micro- and Nano-Bismuth(III) Oxide Coated Fabric for Environmentally Friendly X-Ray Shielding Materials. ACS OMEGA 2022; 7:28248-28257. [PMID: 35990472 PMCID: PMC9386847 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.2c02578] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2022] [Accepted: 07/19/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
This research focuses on the development of environmentally friendly textile-based shielding composites, from micro-sized and nanosized Bi2O3 particles, against ionizing radiation. Polyester fabric dyne-coated with either micro- or nano-Bi2O3 particles shields some X-rays but the effectiveness is poor. With only ∼58% uptake of micro-sized Bi2O3 particles dyeing on polyester fabric, the insufficient amount of Bi2O3 leaded to the low density of particles, resulting in only 30% of X-ray shielding at 80 kVp. Cotton fabric coated with either micro- or nano-Bi2O3/poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) composites, on the other hand, demonstrated the capacity to attenuate X-ray generated by high diagnostic X-ray tube voltages of 70-100 kVp, in compliance with medical protection requirements. The X-ray attenuation performance of cotton fabric coated with either micro-Bi2O3/PVA or nano-Bi2O3/PVA nanocomposite decreased progressively with increasing tube acceleration voltages, however their ionizing radiation-shielding performance enhanced with the number of fabric layers. Interestingly, for all X-ray tube voltages evaluated, the micro-Bi2O3/PVA composite outperformed the nano- Bi2O3/PVA composite in terms of X-ray shielding. At a weight ratio of 66.7% Bi2O3, 10 layers of cotton fabric coated with micro- Bi2O3/PVA composite can attenuate 90, 85, and 80% of X-ray photons at 70, 80, and 100 kVp, respectively. As a result, these less harmful X-ray shielding materials have the potential to replace lead-based composites, which are highly toxic to human health and have negative environmental consequences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Supranee Kaewpirom
- Department
of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Burapha
University, Chonburi 20131, Thailand
| | - Khaisang Chousangsuntorn
- Department
of Radiological Technology, Faculty of Medical Technology, Mahidol University, Nakhon Pathom 73170, Thailand
| | - Siridech Boonsang
- Department
of Electrical Engineering, School of Engineering, King Mongkut’s Institute of Technology Ladkrabang, Bangkok 10520, Thailand
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Sallam FH, Ibrahim EM, Hassan SF, Omar A. Enhanced Bentonite/PVA Matrix for Advanced Shielding Applications. NUCL TECHNOL 2022. [DOI: 10.1080/00295450.2022.2072650] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Fawzy Hammad Sallam
- Nuclear Materials Authority, Department of Geochemical Exploration, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Eman Mohamed Ibrahim
- Nuclear Materials Authority, Department of Geochemical Exploration, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Sayed Fahmy Hassan
- Nuclear Materials Authority, Department of Medical and Radiological Research, Cairo, Egypt
| | - A. Omar
- Military Technical College, Department of Nuclear Engineering, Cairo, Egypt
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Prabhu S, S. G Bubbly, Gudennavar SB. X-Ray and γ-Ray Shielding Efficiency of Polymer Composites: Choice of Fillers, Effect of Loading and Filler Size, Photon Energy and Multifunctionality. POLYM REV 2022. [DOI: 10.1080/15583724.2022.2067867] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Srilakshmi Prabhu
- Department of Physics and Electronics, Bangalore Central Campus, CHRIST (Deemed to be University), Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
| | - S. G Bubbly
- Department of Physics and Electronics, Bangalore Central Campus, CHRIST (Deemed to be University), Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
| | - Shivappa B. Gudennavar
- Department of Physics and Electronics, Bangalore Central Campus, CHRIST (Deemed to be University), Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
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Osman A, El B, El S, Alsayed Z, Awad R, Badawi M. Effect of PbO incorporation with different particle size on X-ray attenuation of polystyrene. NUCLEAR TECHNOLOGY AND RADIATION PROTECTION 2022. [DOI: 10.2298/ntrp2201018o] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Lead oxide (PbO) bulk and nanoparticles of two different sizes (A = 78 nm and
B = 54 nm) are incorporated separately into the polystyrene matrix at
various concentrations (0, 10, 15, 25, and 35 %) using roll mill mixing and
compressing molding techniques. The X-ray narrow-spectrum series (N-series
/ ISO 4037-1) is then used to investigate the radiation attenuation
capability of the novel polymer composite PS/PbO, as well as the effect of
varying PbO particle sizes on shielding performance. The filler dispersion
and chemical elemental analysis of the synthesized composite are
investigated using scanning electron microscopy and energy-dispersive
X-ray spectroscopy. To determine the mass attenuation coefficients ?m,
samples with various thicknesses of the synthesized composite are examined
using a range of X-ray energies, and the experimental data are compared to
theoretical values from NIST databases (XCOM and FFAST). The results
indicate that either increasing the filler weight percentage or, decreasing
the filler particle size, enhanced the attenuation parameters throughout all
energies. The composite containing the smallest nanosize of PbO exhibited
the maximum radiation shielding efficacy among all combinations and
therefore, might be used to develop low-cost and lightweight X-ray shields.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmad Osman
- Department of Physics, Beirut Arab University, Beirut, Lebanon + Lebanese Atomic Energy Commission, National Council for Scientific Research, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Balaa El
- Lebanese Atomic Energy Commission, National Council for Scientific Research, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Samad El
- Lebanese Atomic Energy Commission, National Council for Scientific Research, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Zainab Alsayed
- Department of Physics, Beirut Arab University, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Ramadan Awad
- Department of Physics, Beirut Arab University, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Mohamed Badawi
- Department of Physics, Beirut Arab University, Beirut, Lebanon + Physics Department, Faculty of Science, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
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Asgari M, Afarideh H, Ghafoorifard H, Amirabadi EA. Comparison of nano/micro lead, bismuth and tungsten on the gamma shielding properties of the flexible composites against photon in wide energy range (40 keV–662 keV). NUCLEAR ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.net.2021.06.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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Çağlar M, Karabul Y, Kılıç M, Özdemir ZG, İçelli O. Na2Si3O7/Ag micro and nano-structured glassy composites: The experimental and MCNP simulation surveys of their radiation shielding performances. PROGRESS IN NUCLEAR ENERGY 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.pnucene.2021.103855] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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Mansouri E, Mesbahi A, Malekzadeh R, Mansouri A. Shielding characteristics of nanocomposites for protection against X- and gamma rays in medical applications: effect of particle size, photon energy and nano-particle concentration. RADIATION AND ENVIRONMENTAL BIOPHYSICS 2020; 59:583-600. [PMID: 32780196 DOI: 10.1007/s00411-020-00865-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2020] [Accepted: 07/28/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
In recent decades, nanomaterials have been extensively investigated for many applications. Composites doped with different metal nanoparticles have been suggested as effective shielding materials to replace conventional lead-based materials. The use of concretes as structural and radiation protective material has been influenced by the addition of nanomaterials. Several elements with high atomic number and density, such as lead, bismuth, and tungsten, have the potential to form nanoparticles that offer significant enhancements in the shielding ability of composites. Their performance for a range of particle concentrations, particle sizes, and photon energies have been investigated. This review is an attempt to gather the data published in the literature about the application of nanomaterials in radiation shielding, including the use of polymer composites and concretes for protection against X-rays and gamma radiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elham Mansouri
- Drug Applied Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
- Molecular Medicine Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Asghar Mesbahi
- Molecular Medicine Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.
- Department of Medical Physics, School of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.
| | - Reza Malekzadeh
- Department of Medical Physics, School of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Ahmad Mansouri
- Department of Materials Engineering, University of Tabriz, 51666-16471, Tabriz, Iran
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Afkham Y, Mesbahi A, Alemi A, Zolfagharpour F, Jabbari N. Design and fabrication of a Nano-based neutron shield for fast neutrons from medical linear accelerators in radiation therapy. Radiat Oncol 2020; 15:105. [PMID: 32393290 PMCID: PMC7216519 DOI: 10.1186/s13014-020-01551-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2019] [Accepted: 04/27/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Photo-neutrons are produced at the head of the medical linear accelerators (linac) by the interaction of high-energy photons, and patients receive a whole-body-absorbed dose from these neutrons. The current study aimed to find an efficient shielding material for fast neutrons. METHODS Nanoparticles (NPs) of Fe3O4 and B4C were applied in a matrix of silicone resin to design a proper shield against fast neutrons produced by the 18 MeV photon beam of a Varian 2100 C/D linac. Neutron macroscopic cross-sections for three types of samples were calculated by the Monte Carlo (MC) method and experimentally measured for neutrons of an Am-Be source. The designed shields in different concentrations were tested by MCNPX MC code, and the proper concentration was chosen for the experimental test. A shield was designed with two layers, including nano-iron oxide and a layer of nano-boron carbide for eliminating fast neutrons. RESULTS MC simulation results with uncertainty less than 1% showed that for discrete energies and 50% nanomaterial concentration, the macroscopic cross-sections for iron oxide and boron carbide at the energy of 1 MeV were 0.36 cm- 1 and 0.32 cm- 1, respectively. For 30% nanomaterial concentration, the calculated macroscopic cross-sections for iron oxide and boron carbide shields for Am-Be spectrum equaled 0.12 cm- 1 and 0.15 cm- 1, respectively, while they are 0.15 cm- 1 and 0.18 cm- 1 for the linac spectrum. In the experiment with the Am-Be spectrum, the macroscopic cross-sections for 30% nanomaterial concentration were 0.17 ± 0.01 cm- 1 for iron oxide and 0.21 ± 0.02 cm- 1 for boron carbide. The measured transmission factors for 30% nanomaterial concentration with the Am-Be spectrum were 0.71 ± 0.01, 0.66 ± 0.02, and 0.62 ± 0.01 for the iron oxide, boron carbide, and double-layer shields, respectively. In addition, these values were 0.74, 0.69, and 0.67, respectively, for MC simulation for the linac spectrum at the same concentration and thickness of 2 cm. CONCLUSION Results achieved from MC simulation and experimental tests were in a satisfactory agreement. The difference between MC and measurements was in the range of 10%. Our results demonstrated that the designed double-layer shield has a superior macroscopic cross-section compared with two single-layer nanoshields and more efficiently eliminates fast photo-neutrons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Younes Afkham
- Department of Medical Physics, Faculty of Medicine, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran
| | - Asghar Mesbahi
- Molecular Medicine Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Abdolali Alemi
- Department of Inorganic Chemistry, Faculty of chemistry, Tabriz University, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Farhad Zolfagharpour
- Department of Physics, Faculty of Basic Sciences, University Of Mohaghegh Ardebili, Ardabil, Iran
| | - Nasrollah Jabbari
- Solid Tumor Research Center, Cellular and Molecular Medicine Institute, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran.
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Zohdiaghdam R, Mahmoudian M, Salimi S. Evaluation of synergistic effects of the single walled carbon nanotube and CeO2-hybrid based-nanocomposite against X-ray radiation in diagnostic radiology. Radiat Phys Chem Oxf Engl 1993 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.radphyschem.2019.108562] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
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16
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Gamma ray attenuation of hafnium dioxide- and tungsten trioxide-epoxy resin composites. J Radioanal Nucl Chem 2019. [DOI: 10.1007/s10967-019-06714-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
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17
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Bismuth sulfide nanoflowers for detection of X-rays in the mammographic energy range. Sci Rep 2015; 5:9440. [PMID: 25801531 PMCID: PMC4371100 DOI: 10.1038/srep09440] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2014] [Accepted: 03/04/2015] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
The increased use of diagnostic x-rays, especially in the field of medical radiology, has necessitated a significant demand for high resolution, real-time radiation detectors. In this regard, the photoresponse of bismuth sulfide (Bi2S3), an n-type semiconducting metal chalcogenide, to low energy x-rays has been investigated in this study. In recent years, several types of nanomaterials of Bi2S3 have been widely studied for optoelectronic and thermoelectric applications. However, photoresponse of Bi2S3 nanomaterials for dosimetric applications has not yet been reported. The photosensitivity of Bi2S3 with nanoscale "flower-like" structures was characterized under x-ray tube-potentials typically used in mammographic procedures. Both dark current and photocurrent were measured under varying x-ray doses, field sizes, and bias voltages for each of the tube potentials - 20, 23, 26 and 30 kV. Results show that the Bi2S3 nanoflowers instantaneously responded to even minor changes in the dose delivered. The photoresponse was found to be relatively high (few nA) at bias voltage as low as +1 V, and fairly repeatable for both short and long exposures to mammographic x-rays with minimal or no loss in sensitivity. The overall dose-sensitivity of the Bi2S3 nanoflowers was found to be similar to that of a micro-ionization chamber.
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Azman NZN, Siddiqui SA, Low IM. Characterisation of micro-sized and nano-sized tungsten oxide-epoxy composites for radiation shielding of diagnostic X-rays. MATERIALS SCIENCE & ENGINEERING. C, MATERIALS FOR BIOLOGICAL APPLICATIONS 2013; 33:4952-7. [PMID: 24094209 DOI: 10.1016/j.msec.2013.08.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2013] [Revised: 08/05/2013] [Accepted: 08/18/2013] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Characteristics of X-ray transmissions were investigated for epoxy composites filled with 2-10 vol% WO3 loadings using synchrotron X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) at 10-40 keV. The results obtained were used to determine the equivalent X-ray energies for the operating X-ray tube voltages of mammography and radiology machines. The results confirmed the superior attenuation ability of nano-sized WO3-epoxy composites in the energy range of 10-25 keV when compared to their micro-sized counterparts. However, at higher synchrotron radiation energies (i.e., 30-40 keV), the X-ray transmission characteristics were similar with no apparent size effect for both nano-sized and micro-sized WO3-epoxy composites. The equivalent X-ray energies for the operating X-ray tube voltages of the mammography unit (25-49 kV) were in the range of 15-25 keV. Similarly, for a radiology unit operating at 40-60 kV, the equivalent energy range was 25-40 keV, and for operating voltages greater than 60 kV (i.e., 70-100 kV), the equivalent energy was in excess of 40 keV. The mechanical properties of epoxy composites increased initially with an increase in the filler loading but a further increase in the WO3 loading resulted in deterioration of flexural strength, modulus and hardness.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Z Noor Azman
- Department of Imaging and Applied Physics, Curtin University, GPO Box U1987, Perth, WA 6845 Australia; School of Physics, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 11800 Penang, Malaysia
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Noor Azman NZ, Siddiqui SA, Haroosh HJ, Albetran HMM, Johannessen B, Dong Y, Low IM. Characteristics of X-ray attenuation in electrospun bismuth oxide/polylactic acid nanofibre mats. JOURNAL OF SYNCHROTRON RADIATION 2013; 20:741-748. [PMID: 23955038 DOI: 10.1107/s0909049513017871] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2013] [Accepted: 06/28/2013] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
The characteristics of the X-ray attenuation in electrospun nano(n)- and micro(m)-Bi2O3/polylactic acid (PLA) nanofibre mats with different Bi2O3 loadings were compared as a function of energy using mammography (i.e. tube voltages of 22-49 kV) and X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) (7-20 keV). Results indicate that X-ray attenuation by electrospun n-Bi2O3/PLA nanofibre mats is distinctly higher than that of m-Bi2O3/PLA nanofibre mats at all energies investigated. In addition, with increasing filler loading (n-Bi2O3 or m-Bi2O3), the porosity of the nanofibre mats decreased, thus increasing the X-ray attenuation, except for the sample containing 38 wt% Bi2O3 (the highest loading in the present study). The latter showed higher porosity, with some beads formed, thus resulting in a sudden decrease in the X-ray attenuation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nurul Z Noor Azman
- Department of Imaging and Applied Physics, Curtin University, GPO Box U1987, Perth, WA 6845, Australia
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Noor Azman N, Siddiqui S, Hart R, Low I. Effect of particle size, filler loadings and x-ray tube voltage on the transmitted x-ray transmission in tungsten oxide—epoxy composites. Appl Radiat Isot 2013; 71:62-7. [DOI: 10.1016/j.apradiso.2012.09.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2012] [Revised: 09/07/2012] [Accepted: 09/18/2012] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
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Azman NZN, Siddiqui SA, Hart R, Low IM. Microstructural design of lead oxide-epoxy composites for radiation shielding purposes. J Appl Polym Sci 2012. [DOI: 10.1002/app.38515] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
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