[Evaluation of non-lead board as X-ray protective material]

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Radiation Physics
• Environmental Science

Context:

• Traditional lead shielding in radiation facilities poses environmental and recycling challenges.
• There is a growing demand for eco-friendly and recyclable alternatives to lead-based radiation protection materials.
• Diagnostic X-ray institutions require effective shielding solutions for adjacent rooms.

Purpose:

• To develop and evaluate a novel lead-free radiation shielding board.
• To assess the shielding performance of a calcium sulfate and barium sulfate composite material.
• To provide a sustainable alternative to lead shielding for diagnostic X-ray facilities.

Summary:

• A lead-free board (910x1820x12.5 mm) composed of calcium sulfate and barium sulfate was developed as a radiation partition.
• The board's mass attenuation coefficients were approximately 12% and 60% lower than lead in specific energy ranges (25-37 keV and 38-41 keV).
• Lead equivalents for the 12.5 mm board were 0.87+/-0.01 mmPb at 100 kV, 0.60+/-0.01 mmPb at 125 kV, and 0.47+/-0.01 mmPb at 150 kV, with a double-layer configuration showing sufficient shielding.

Impact:

• Offers an environmentally safer and recyclable option for radiation shielding in medical facilities.
• Reduces reliance on lead, mitigating associated environmental and disposal concerns.
• Facilitates compliance with stricter environmental regulations and promotes sustainable practices in healthcare infrastructure.