Speaker
Description
The demand for lightweight, flexible, and lead-free radiation shielding materials in diagnostic imaging continues to increase due to concerns regarding cumulative radiation exposure and toxicity of conventional shields. In this study, hybrid iron–bismuth oxide (Fe–Bi₂O₃) reinforced polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) composites were developed and evaluated for their photon attenuation performance and mechanical stability at diagnostic energy levels. Bismuth oxide (Z = 83) was incorporated to enhance photoelectric absorption, while iron (Z = 26) was introduced to improve photon interaction probability and reinforce the elastomeric matrix. Composite samples with fixed thickness and controlled filler loading were fabricated via uniform dispersion casting to ensure structural homogeneity. Radiation shielding parameters—including linear attenuation coefficient (µ), mass attenuation coefficient (µ/ρ), half-value layer (HVL), mean free path (MFP), and effective atomic number (Z_eff)—were calculated using Phy-X/PSD simulation across photon energies relevant to computed tomography (30–150 keV) and experimentally validated using CT-based measurements. Mechanical performance was assessed through tensile and compression testing to determine tensile strength, Young’s modulus, elongation at break, and compressive behaviour. Results demonstrate that the incorporation of hybrid Fe–Bi₂O₃ fillers significantly enhances attenuation efficiency compared to pristine PDMS, with increased Z_eff and reduced HVL values. Mechanical testing indicates improved stiffness and compressive resistance while maintaining adequate flexibility for conformal shielding applications. The developed hybrid PDMS composites exhibit promising potential as flexible, mechanically robust, and non-toxic alternatives to conventional radiation shielding materials in diagnostic environments.