Radiation Protection Applications Research Articles

Study on the Shielding Performance of Cotton Fabrics with Nano‐Barium Sulfate, Graphene Oxide, and Polyvinyl Alcohol Coating

In the medical radiation diagnosis and treatment, procedures like dental, thoracic, and bone density computed tomography (CT) scans are considered low‐dose radiation exposures. However, the radiation, especially its cumulative effects, can cause unavoidable damage to the human body. Effective radiation shielding has therefore become critically important. Traditional shielding materials have raised concerns due to their weight, poor durability, and toxicity, highlighting the need for lighter, more efficient, and environmentally friendly materials. In this study, polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) composite coatings containing 25 and 40% nano‐barium sulfate were prepared, with varying concentrations of graphene oxide (GO) (2, 1, and 0.5%) to assess its effect on radiation shielding. Additionally, the radiation attenuation ratios of PVA‐coated fabrics with different nano‐barium sulfate contents (15–50%) were evaluated. The shielding performance was tested under low‐dose medical radiation at energy levels of 20, 30, and 40 keV to assess X‐ray shielding. The results show that increasing nano‐barium sulfate content improves X‐ray shielding efficiency compared to PVA‐coated fabric. The addition of GO further enhances shielding effectiveness, nanoparticle dispersion, fabric uniformity, and mechanical properties, making the material more suitable for practical radiation protection applications.

Multi-nanoparticle-based composite for diagnostic X-ray shielding in computed tomography applications: a Monte Carlo study.

While numerous studies have investigated the impact of various nanoparticles (NPs) in polymer matrices for radiation shielding, there is a notable gap in the literature regarding a comprehensive examination of both individual and combined selected NPs with functional polymers. This study aims to address this gap by systematically evaluating the synergistic potential of multiple high-Z NPs and specialized polymer matrices in radiation shielding design, particularly for computed tomography (CT) applications. A single and mixture range of NPs, including Gd2O3, Sm2O3, CeO2, HfO2, IrO2, Bi2O3, and WO3, were combined with polymers such as chlorinated polyvinyl chloride (CPVC), polychlorostyrene (PCS), polytrifluorochloroethylene (PTFCE), polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), and polyvinylidene chloride (PVDC) which served as matrices. By means of Geant4 Monte Carlo simulations, the study assessed the shielding effectiveness of these nanocomposites at various X-ray energies (80, 100, 120, and 140 kVp). The results revealed that nanocomposites containing Sm2O3 and Gd2O3 exhibited superior X-ray attenuation at 80 and 100 kVp, while the HfO2 nanocomposite demonstrated enhanced shielding at 120 and 140 kVp. Additionally, multi-filler nanocomposites with 30 wt% of Sm2O3 + HfO2 (SmHf) and Gd2O3 + Bi2O3 (GdBi) exhibited improved performance at 80 and 140 kVp, respectively. Notably, the 30 wt% Gd2O3 + IrO2 (GdIr) multi-filler nanocomposite outperformed others at 100 and 120 kVp. It is concluded that a combination of NPs with K-edge values close to the mean energy of the investigated X-ray spectra provide better shielding capabilities than single NPs, highlighting their potential for applications in radiation protection.

Bismuth Oxide Nanoparticle-Enhanced Poly(methyl methacrylate) Composites for I-131 Radiation Shielding: A Combined Simulation and Experimental Investigation

This study investigates the development of advanced radiation shielding materials incorporating bismuth oxide (Bi2O3) nanoparticles (NPs) into polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) composites, comparing efficacy against I-131 gamma radiation. The NPs exhibit a 1.53-fold reduction in z-average diameter and a significantly higher surface area than Bi2O3, ensuring superior dispersion and structural uniformity within the PMMA matrix. These characteristics, validated through SEM, EDX, and XRD analyses, contribute to enhanced gamma radiation attenuation, leveraging the high atomic number and density of Bi2O3. Mechanical evaluations reveal that increasing Bi2O3-NPs concentrations enhances ductility but reduces tensile strength, likely due to nanoparticle agglomeration and stress concentration. Radiation shielding performance, assessed using XCOM and Phy-X/PSD simulations, demonstrates a direct correlation between Bi2O3 content and attenuation efficiency. Notably, composites with 75% Bi2O3 content exhibit attenuation properties comparable to, or exceeding, those of PbO2, achieving superior shielding efficacy at reduced thicknesses across various photon interaction mechanisms. These findings position Bi2O3 NPs-enhanced PMMA composites as promising lightweight high-performance alternatives to lead-based shields. By addressing toxicity and environmental concerns associated with lead, this work emphasizes the potential of high-Z nanomaterials in advancing radiation protection applications. This study highlights a transformative approach to designing safer and more efficient shielding solutions, contributing to the next generation of radiation protection materials.

Mapping neutron biological effectiveness for DNA damage induction as a function of incident energy and depth in a human sized phantom

We present new developments for an ab-initio model of the neutron relative biological effectiveness (RBE) in inducing specific classes of DNA damage. RBE is evaluated as a function of the incident neutron energy and of the depth inside a human-sized reference spherical phantom. The adopted mechanistic approach traces neutron RBE back to its origin, i.e. neutron physical interactions with biological tissues. To this aim, we combined the simulation of radiation transport through biological matter, performed with the Monte Carlo code PHITS, and the prediction of DNA damage using analytical formulas, which ground on a large database of biophysical radiation track structure simulations performed with the code PARTRAC. In particular, two classes of DNA damage were considered: sites and clusters of double-strand breaks (DSBs), which are known to be correlated with cell fate following radiation exposure. Within a coherent modelling framework, this approach tackles the variation of neutron RBE in a wide energy range, from thermal neutrons to neutrons of hundreds of GeV, and reproduces effects related to depth in the human-sized receptor, as well as to the receptor size itself. Besides providing a better mechanistic understanding of neutron biological effectiveness, the new model can support better-informed decisions for radiation protection: indeed, current neutron weighting (ICRP)/quality (U.S. NRC) factors might be insufficient for use in some radiation protection applications, because they do not account for depth. RBE predictions obtained with the reported model were successfully compared to the currently adopted radiation protection standards when the depth information is not relevant (at the shallowest depth in the phantom or for very high energy neutrons). However, our results demonstrate that great care is needed when applying weighting factors as a function of incident neutron energy only, not explicitly considering RBE variation in the target. Finally, to facilitate the use of our results, we propose look-up RBE tables, explicitly considering the depth variable, and an analytical representation of the maximal RBE vs. neutron energy.

Hierarchical configuration design of PAN/Gr@MWCNTs composite film with superior electromagnetic shielding and excellent Joule heating via in-situ sedimentation strategy

Hierarchical configuration design of PAN/Gr@MWCNTs composite film with superior electromagnetic shielding and excellent Joule heating via in-situ sedimentation strategy

Sustainable Gamma Radiation Shielding: Coconut Shell Ash Modified Concrete for Radiation Protection Applications

Sustainable Gamma Radiation Shielding: Coconut Shell Ash Modified Concrete for Radiation Protection Applications

Epoxy Composites for the Use in Radiation Protection Applications: A Comparison between Baso4, and Zno Nano-Composites and Micro-Composites

Abstract: In this work, epoxy composites were prepared containing zinc oxide and barium sulfate to protect against high-energy electromagnetic waves, specifically X-rays and gamma rays. Two types of epoxy composites were developed: one with nanomaterial fillers and the other with micromaterial fillers. A thermal processing technique was employed to prepare one of the two types of composites. Various ratios of barium sulfate, zinc oxide, and epoxy resin were used. For each ratio of epoxy resin composites, multiple characterization techniques were applied and analyzed. X-ray diffraction (XRD) was used to examine the crystalline structures of the composites, while energy-dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX) determined the elemental weight ratios in the samples. Additional techniques included a simple density meter to measure the volumetric density of the epoxy composite samples and micrometers to measure the sample thickness. The two types of prepared epoxy composites, containing either nanofillers or microfillers, were tested for their effectiveness in protecting against gamma rays and X-rays. The measured volumetric densities were 1.0634 kg/m³ for pure epoxy, 3.2365 kg/m³ for nano-filled epoxy composites, and 4.1672 kg/m³ for micro-filled epoxy composites. The epoxy composite with nanomaterial fillers exhibited a linear attenuation coefficient of approximately 0.17 cm⁻¹, while the composite with micromaterial fillers showed a linear attenuation coefficient of approximately 0.15 cm⁻¹. This indicates that the epoxy composite with nanomaterial fillers provides better shielding performance compared to the composite with micromaterial fillers. Keywords: Epoxy, Barium sulfate, Linear attenuation coefficient, Zinc oxide, Epoxy composites, Gamma-ray, Radiation protection, Composites.

Photon attenuation properties of samarium-doped zinc bismuth silicate glass: A study using Cs-137, Co-60, and Na-22 Radiation Sources

The photon attenuation properties of the samarium-doped zinc bismuth silicate (ZBSS) glass series were investigated, revealing a strong composition-dependent behavior. The ZBSS10 sample, with the highest Bi2O3 content, demonstrated the highest linear attenuation coefficient (LAC) of 2.829 cm-1 at 0.284 MeV. However, the LAC decreases with increasing photon energy, as higher-energy photons penetrate deeper into the glass. The Mean Free Path (MFP) increases as Bi2O3 content decreases, allowing photons to travel farther before interaction with atoms. At 0.284 MeV, ZBSS10 (0.931 wt% Bi2O3) had the shortest MFP of 0.353 cm, while ZBSS50 (0.741 wt% of Bi2O3) had MFP of 0.455 cm, representing a 28.9% increase. The elastic moduli enhanced with increasing SiO2 levels, and Poisson's ratio showed a significant increase with rising SiO2 content, indicating an improved mechanical property. The sample ZBSS50, with the highest SiO2 level, shows an enhanced fast neutron effective removal cross-section, surpassing other samples in the series. Both ZBSS10 and ZBSS50 provide excellent photon and neutron shielding, making them superior to some standard shielding materials and ideal for radiation protection applications.

Huanglian decoction prevents and treats radiation-induced intestinal injury in lung cancer by regulating endoplasmic reticulum stress.

Radiotherapy is a primary treatment method for lung cancer, and radiation-induced lung injury has been widely studied. However, the lung and intestines are closely related, and patients receiving lung radiotherapy often experience gastrointestinal reactions. Huanglian Decoction has proven effective in treating intestinal diseases, but its role in radiation-induced intestinal injury in lung cancer has not yet been demonstrated. The study investigated the potential protective mechanisms of Huanglian Decoction against radiation-induced intestinal injury in lung cancer. In vivo experiments were conducted to examine the morphological changes. Changes in endoplasmic reticulum stress-related proteins were assessed using electron microscopy, immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence, and Western blotting. In vitro studies involved the overexpression of TRPA1 protein in NCM460 cells via lentiviral vectors. Tumor-bearing mice exhibited severe damage to both lung and colon tissues following radiotherapy, with elevated levels of IL-33, increased expression of ST2L and TRPA1 in colon tissues, higher levels of endoplasmic reticulum stress-related proteins, and the presence of apoptosis and inflammatory responses. Huanglian Decoction reduced radiation-induced intestinal injury by lowering IL-33 levels, which in turn reduced endoplasmic reticulum stress response in colon tissues. In TRPA1-overexpressing NCM460 cells, Huanglian Decoction decreased TRPA1 expression levels and significantly alleviated endoplasmic reticulum stress response. Conclusively, the results indicate that Huanglian Decoction alleviates radiation-induced intestinal endoplasmic reticulum stress by reducing IL-33 levels, subsequently inhibiting the expression of ST2L and TRPA1 in colon tissues. This demonstrates the protective effect of Huanglian Decoction on the intestines during lung cancer radiotherapy, highlighting its promising clinical application in radiation protection.

Titanate coupling agent modified lead sulphide for the manufacture of highly filled flexible neoprene based radiation protection materials

AbstractBased on the principles of photon and matter attenuation, lead sulphide (PbS) has the potential for applications in radiation protection owed to its elevated atomic number and density. Achieving good dispersion stability of PbS powder in highly filled composites remains a challenge due to the inherent nature. Here, we proposed a solution to these issues for highly filled rubber‐based flexible wearable composites. PbS particles were firstly synthesized and subsequently surface‐modified with a titanate coupling agent (NDZ‐201) enhanced the interfacial compatibility with the rubber‐based. Then, highly filled PbS@NDZ‐201/chloroprene rubber (CR) composites were obtained by physical blending. Test results showed that these highly filled composites exhibited even distribution of PbS granule and favorable interface compatibility. All the prepared PbS@NDZ‐201/CR composites exhibit excellent mechanical properties. In comparison to pure CR, the mechanical properties of the 70 wt% filler‐modified powder composites remained at a high level, with a tensile strength of 7.51 MPa and an elongation at break of 670.11%, represented improvements of 155% and 105%, respectively. The mass attenuation coefficient and the γ‐rays shielding coefficients of 70 wt% PbS@NDZ‐201/CR composites reached 34.15% and 36.87%, respectively. In conclusion, this method is feasible for the preparation of highly filled radiation protective rubber‐based flexible wearable materials.Highlights Introduction of PbS in the field of radiation protection. NDZ‐201 improved the interfacial compatibility of PbS with CR. The mechanical properties of the composites were improved after modification by NDZ‐201. Highly filled flexible wearable composites for radiation protection was successfully prepared.

Development of a compact active neutron monitor to measure the H∗(10): Design, simulation and validation

Development of a compact active neutron monitor to measure the H∗(10): Design, simulation and validation

A closer look to dose assessment and radiation shielding characteristics of concrete doped magnetite irradiated with 252Cf mixed radiation radionuclide: A Watt Fission approach and Doppler effect

A closer look to dose assessment and radiation shielding characteristics of concrete doped magnetite irradiated with 252Cf mixed radiation radionuclide: A Watt Fission approach and Doppler effect

Optical transmission, dielectric constants, and gamma shielding performance of Se95-xIn5Prx metallic alloys: Radiation protection applications

Optical transmission, dielectric constants, and gamma shielding performance of Se95-xIn5Prx metallic alloys: Radiation protection applications

Tailoring optimal KERMA, projected range, and mass stopping power, and gamma-ray shielding capabilities through BaO/ZnO/CdO/SrO incorporation into Na2O–SiO2 glasses

Tailoring optimal KERMA, projected range, and mass stopping power, and gamma-ray shielding capabilities through BaO/ZnO/CdO/SrO incorporation into Na2O–SiO2 glasses

Fast and Thermal Neutron Removal Cross-Section for Ceramic Glass Aluminum Oxynitride

This study investigates the effectiveness of transparent aluminum oxynitride (AlON) in neutron shielding, focusing on both fast and thermal neutrons. Using conventional radiation attenuation parameters, the macroscopic neutron removal cross-sections of AlON were calculated for varying neutron energies and material thicknesses. The Geant4 simulation toolkit was employed to model and analyze the neutron interactions with AlON. The results indicate that AlON exhibits a high neutron shielding capacity for fast neutrons, performing better than traditional shielding materials such as concrete and lead. However, for thermal neutrons, AlON's performance was less effective, only surpassing lead but not concrete or water. The findings suggest that while AlON is highly effective for fast neutron shielding, it may require complementary materials to adequately shield thermal neutrons. This could involve using AlON in combination with other materials to create a more comprehensive neutron shielding solution. AlON shows significant potential as a neutron shielding material, particularly for fast neutrons. Its integration with additional shielding materials could enhance its overall effectiveness, making it suitable for various nuclear and radiation protection applications.

A study of the heliospheric modulation of cosmic rays in the past solar cycles

Cosmic rays are high-energy particles originating from outside the solar system, and their flux is modulated by the heliosphere, the region of space influenced by the sun. This study investigates the heliospheric modulation of cosmic rays over five consecutive solar cycles (20-24), spanning from 1964 to 2019, focusing on the variations in cosmic ray intensity with solar activity. A long-term correlative study has been done using the values of the monthly mean of sunspot number (SSN) and cosmic ray data from ground-based Neutron Monitor Stations (Kiel, Moscow and Oulu). By analysing the cosmic ray intensity during these cycles, a significant variation in the cosmic ray flux and its modulation by the heliosphere is shown. The statistical analysis of the data depicts a very high anti-correlation association between solar activity and cosmic rays’ intensity for the period studied; which is consistent with earlier findings. The results in this study demonstrate distinct differences in the cosmic ray intensity between solar cycles and the level of statistical association between sunspot number and cosmic rays varies from cycle to cycle. Solar cycle 21 was observed to have a slightly weaker anti-correlation value as compared to other cycles; this displays a solar cycle-dependent modulation effect necessitating further research. The cut-off rigidity, which ranges from 0.80 to 8.28 GV, and the influence of cut-off rigidity on the energy spectrum of the cosmic ray was observed as the station with the lowest cut-off rigidity generated the strongest anti-correlation value. This research provides new insights into the long-term variability of cosmic rays and the heliospheric modulation processes, with important applications in space weather and radiation protection.

Simulation and calculation of the radiation attenuation parameters of newly developed bismuth boro-tellurite glass system

Simulation and calculation of the radiation attenuation parameters of newly developed bismuth boro-tellurite glass system

Ultra‐Broadband and Reconfigurable Liquid‐Based Microwave Metasurface Absorber

Liquids, with their advantages of fluidity, ease of shaping, and tunability, have exhibited promising potential in the creation of reconfigurable metamaterials (MMs). Water, being the ubiquitous liquid and cost‐effective resource on Earth, has been utilized for the construction of liquid‐based microwave metasurface absorber (MSA). However, due to the challenges associated with integrating microfluidics with MMs in both design and manufacturing, current MSs exhibit narrow frequency bands, particularly constrained at lower frequencies. Herein, a reconfigurable solid–liquid composite of liquid‐based MSs, utilizing the interbedded structure of cones, is proposed for ultra‐wideband microwave absorption. When water is used as the filling medium, the absorption rate exceeds 90% across a wide frequency range from 5.9 to 50 GHz. Upon substitution with ionic liquids, the frequency range demonstrating absorption efficiency exceeding 90% extends from 3.3 to 50 GHz. Furthermore, it is confirmed that the designed MSA demonstrates exceptional stability when subjected to oblique incidence and shows a high degree of insensitivity to polarization, highlighting its robust applicability. The low‐cost, easily manufacturable, and ultra‐wideband liquid‐based MSA holds promising potential for applications in radar countermeasures, energy harvesting, radiation protection, and other related fields.

Influence of waste glass on the gamma-ray shielding performance of concrete

Influence of waste glass on the gamma-ray shielding performance of concrete

Enhanced gamma-ray shielding capabilities of Bi-Se-Ge chalcogenide glasses: analytical and simulation insights

This study investigates the gamma-ray shielding properties of Bi-Se-Ge chalcogenide glasses using advanced computational tools. The Phy-X/PSD and FLUKA programs were utilized to determine critical shielding parameters such as linear attenuation coefficient ( GLAC ), mass attenuation coefficient ( GMAC ), half-value layer ( GHVL ), mean free path ( GMFP ), and effective atomic number ( Zeff ). Our findings reveal that these glasses exhibit superior shielding capabilities compared to traditional materials. For instance, the GMAC values for the glasses ranged from 101.472 cm2/g to 177.475 cm2/g at a photon energy of 0.015 MeV. Additionally, the GHVL values decreased significantly with increasing Bi content, from 4.082 cm to 3.104 cm at an energy level of 15 MeV. The effective atomic number ( Zeff ) also increased from 36.12 to 53.23 with higher Bi concentrations. These insights, derived from precise computational analysis, highlight the potential of Bi-Se-Ge glasses for applications in radiation protection. The discussion also examines the impact of substituting Bi atoms with Se on the shielding capabilities of the original Bi-Se-Ge glass.Future work will focus on experimental validation of these results to further substantiate our findings.