Electrospun polymer nanocomposites for X-ray shielding application

Abstract

Abstract X-rays/gamma-rays have been considered to be the most common radiation used in medical applications for diagnosis and treatment for many decades. Without proper X-ray shielding, an individual can be in extreme danger when exposed directly or indirectly to X-rays even though they provide many benefits in the medical field and other applications. Several studies have proved that X-rays from medical diagnostics are the largest contributor to public exposure. Historically, lead (Pb) compounds were the preferred material for X-ray shielding, but they are heavy, breakable, and very toxic, which can cause potential hazards to human health and great harm to the environment. In addition, the production of lead-free, eco-friendly, and innovative X-ray shielding material is required as an alternative to Pb thanks to advancements in nanotechnology. This chapter focuses on the synthesis, processing, and characterization of novel polymer nanocomposites via electrospinning for X-ray shielding application. Moreover, polymer nanocomposites are also developed to enhance X-ray shielding capacity to meet safety requirements when used in medical X-ray imaging facilities. Their X-ray attenuation ability is particularly studied by means of X-ray transmission in this chapter.