Development and characterization of new tungsten and tantalum containing composites for radiation shielding in medicine

Relevant shielding is a key issue implementing effective radiation protection of personnel working under radiation exposure conditions as it is a case of interventional radiology. Lead or lead containing materials are mostly used for this purpose, however lead is toxic, and its recycling is very expensive. In this paper we present newly developed flexible lead free polymeric composites for possible application in medical radiation shielding constructions thought for radiation protection of personnel working in radiology department. Characterisation of WO3 or Na2WO4 containing polydimethylsiloxane and Ta and Ta2O5 containing universal silicone composites is also provided and composites' X-ray attenuation properties are discussed. It is shown that polymeric composites containing of 50% wt. Ta or Ta2O5 are most promising candidates to replace the toxic lead in medical radiation shielding constructions since they are characterized by lead equivalent of > 0.25 mmPb, which is a standard requirement for radiation protection equipment in radiology department.