A new study by researchers at North Carolina State University shows that a material composed of a polymer compound embedded in bismuth trioxide particles has great potential to replace traditional radiation shielding materials. The related paper "Polymethyl methacrylate" / Γ radiation shielding performance of / Bi₂O₃ composite materials ”was published in the journal Nuclear Engineering and Technology.
The bismuth trioxide compound is lightweight, can effectively shield ionizing radiation such as gamma rays, and can be rapidly produced, making it a promising material for applications in space exploration, medical imaging, and radiotherapy.
"Traditional radiation shielding materials, such as lead, are usually expensive, heavy, and toxic to human health and the environment." Yang, an assistant professor of nuclear engineering at North Carolina State University and one of the authors of the paper, said. "This proof-of-concept study shows that bismuth trioxide compounds can play an effective role in radiation shielding, while at the same time alleviating the disadvantages associated with traditional shielding materials."
In this new study, the researchers demonstrated that they can use curing methods that rely on ultraviolet (UV) light to make compounds instead of relying on time-consuming high-temperature technology. The researchers used a UV curing method to create a polymer compound sample, in which the content of bismuth trioxide was as high as 44%; then, the researchers tested the sample to determine whether the material's mechanical properties and whether it can effectively shield ionizing radiation .
Further information
Radiation shielding refers to a radiation protection technology that uses the effect of radiation and substances to reduce the radiation level of a certain area, thereby reducing people's exposure and radiation damage of materials, and is also a material protection measure.
The main objects of most radiation shielding are gamma rays (gamma photons) and neutrons. The most commonly used shielding material in radiation protection is lead, followed by iron, brick and concrete, because these materials have strong ability to absorb radiation. Almost all materials have a certain degree of protection against gamma rays, and the stronger the density of the substance, the stronger the protection ability against gamma rays. Therefore, if a lighter substance with a lower density is used, to achieve the same protective effect, the required structural thickness is large.