Fabrikasi dan Karakterisasi Bioplastik Timbal Sebagai Bahan Alternatif Proteksi Radiasi Sinar-X

Abstract

X-ray radiation is widely used in the medical field for early detection of a health disorder. Radiation can pose a danger to its users, one of which is genetic mutation. The use of radiation shields can minimize the adverse effects of radiation. Lead (Pb) is widely used as a constituent of radiation shields. Bioplastics are attractive substitutes for petrochemical plastics due to their biodegradability, renewables, and resource abundance. Cassava and corn starch can be used to make bioplastics. In this study, researchers fabricated radiation protection materials made from biodegradable plastic or bioplastic with varying concentrations of lead acetate doping as a radiation shielding element. A mixture of cassava starch and lead acetate as a radiation protection agent can be suggested as an alternative. Based on research conducted with variations in composition between cassava starch and lead acetate 45:55 data on the effectiveness of the resulting radiation absorption of 49.4%. Based on the shape of the surface topography of the SEM image, which results in a relatively balanced mixture of content, the grouping of lead content is relatively even. However, based on the results of the EDX, there is an anomaly in the amount of weight content of cassava starch; this is suspected because the authors used cassava starch without the addition of synthetic ingredients, so the resistance to the temperature needs to be reviewed. Keywords: bioplastics, cassava starch, lead acetate, radiation shield, SEM, EDX