Preliminary study of a novel radiation shield for jaw in dental radiography using the high-density polyethylene/bismuth oxide nanocomposite

Abstract

Dental radiography has been linked in numerous studies to an elevated risk of brain cancer, meningioma cranial tumors, and parotid gland tumors. Unfortunately, not much attention has been given to this problem. This research aims to determine and quantify the radiation shielding properties of High-Density Polyethylene/Bismuth Oxide composite (HDPE-Bi2O3) including the linear attenuation coefficient (μ), mass attenuation coefficient (μ/ρ), half-value layer (HVL) and tenth-value layer (TVL) for photons at 59.5 keV. First, the MCNP code—which showed a reasonable degree of consistency with the XCOM data—was used to simulate the variables μ, μ/ρ, HVL, and TVL that were connected to different concentrations of the composite. Then, the nanocomposite containing of 60 wt% Bi2O3 was chosen and fabricated via the casting method. There were XRD, and FESEM tests performed. Two techniques using the CsI(Tl) scintillation detector and the Geiger counter were applied to measure the shielding quantities at 59.5 keV gamma-rays of the 241Am radioactive source. Finally, results of the measurements revealed a comparatively good agreement with the values from the MCNP and XCOM simulations, with a maximum 3% discrepancy. The artifact test at the presence of the composites shield using a dental radiographic system at 60 kV have not been influenced adversely. This composite at the optimal weight fraction and thickness has potential application to be used as a radiation shield for jaw in dental radiography.