X-ray shielding structural and properties design for the porous transparent BaSO₄/cellulose nanocomposite membranes

Since effective shielding of X-rays was required in medical, aviation and nuclear fields, a novel X-ray shielding BaSO₄/cellulose nanocomposite membrane (BSCM) material with porous transparent structure has been designed. The effects of carboxylated nano-BaSO₄ (BS) addition on the physical and morphological properties of the cellulose membrane (CM) were investigated. Meanwhile, the influence of X-ray shielding capacity was studied by different layers of composite membranes and the shielding mechanism of the X-ray was also discussed. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images displayed the aggregations of BS in the cellulose surface. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) showed that the incorporation of BS into CM caused molecular interactions between CM and BS. Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) indicated that the load of BS contributed little to the specific surface area and pore size. Meanwhile, the water vapor transmission rates (WVTR) also stayed at the same level before and after the binding of BS. The swelling ratios, weight loss ratios and mechanical property were decreased along with the addition of BS. The radiation shielding ability was enhanced. Therefore, this work was regarded as a possible example that the BSCM was designed as X-ray radiation shielding material or sandwich filler material in the implication of radiation shielding glass.