Lead aprons vs polymer composites in radiation protection: A comparative study
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.58524/jdzdac96Keywords:
Effectiveness, Lead, Medical Personnel, Polymer Composites, Radiation ProtectionAbstract
Ionizing radiation exposure poses a significant risk to healthcare personnel. Traditional lead-based protective aprons, while effective, present limitations in terms of weight and flexibility. This study evaluates polymer composite–based radiation protection aprons as potential alternatives through comparative analysis of experimental data, simulations, and literature findings. Radiation shielding performance was assessed using mass attenuation coefficient (MAC), half-value layer (HVL), tenth-value layer (TVL), and mean free path (MFP). Results revealed that recycled high-density polyethylene (r-HDPE) composites reinforced with 45 wt% ilmenite achieved an HVL of 2.611 cm at 1.332 MeV, while polyvinyl chloride (PVC) nanocomposites containing 6 wt% bismuth vanadate (BiVO₄) exhibited superior attenuation with an HVL of 1.29 cm at 0.081 MeV and 6.459 cm at 1.408 MeV. The MAC of PVC + 6 wt% BiVO₄ ranged from 0.3275 to 0.0572 cm²/g, outperforming both HDPE-Ilm and PbO-based aprons. Compared to conventional lead aprons with 0.5 mm Pb equivalence and 57.5% attenuation, polymer composites provided comparable or higher shielding efficiency with significant weight reduction and improved flexibility. These findings suggest that PVC + 6 wt% BiVO₄ nanocomposites represent a promising alternative to lead for next-generation lightweight and ergonomic radiation protection aprons in medical applications.
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