Development Of Silicone Rubber-Molybdenum Composites As Lead-Free Thyroid Shielding Materials For X-Ray Radiation Protection

Intan Rahmawati, Heri Sutanto, Ngurah Ayu Ketut Umiati, Ilham Alkian

Abstract


Exposure to radiation of the thyroid gland continues to be a major concern in diagnostic and interventional radiology, due to the high sensitivity of the thyroid gland to radiation. Lead-based (Pb) thyroid shields are effective in reducing radiation exposure, but there are several limitations, including heavy weight, rigidity, and toxicity, which can compromise the comfort and safety of the user. The aim of the present study is to develop a silicone rubber-molybdenum (SR-Mo) composite as a lead-free alternative for thyroid shields which is lighter, more flexible and shows effective radiation absorption performance. The composite was synthesised with silicone rubber matrix with molybdenum filler at concentrations of 0, 1, 3, 5, 7 and 9 wt%. Characterisation was by X-ray attenuation test at 77 kVp. The results show that the mass of SR-Mo composite is significantly reduced compared to conventional Pb-based thyroid shields, and its radiation attenuation is increased, as indicated by the linear attenuation coefficient increase from 0.375 cm⁻¹ to 1.259 cm⁻¹, the increase in Radiation Attenuation Ratio (RAR) from 20% to 53%, and the decrease in Half Value Layer (HVL) from 1.846 cm to 0.551 cm at 9 wt% Mo concentration. With increasing Mo content, the radiopacity increased, but the visibility of the underlying objects was not obstructed. The findings indicate that SR-Mo composites could be promising candidates for lightweight, flexible and safer lead-free thyroid shielding materials for radiation protection applications.

Keywords


Radiation Attenuation, Molybdenum, Silicone Rubber, Thyroid Shielding, X-ray.

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References


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DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.52155/ijpsat.v58.2.8421

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