Study of Construction of Innovative Barite/Waterborne Polyurethane/Low-Density Polyethylene Composites for Enhanced...

X-rays' high-energy nature poses risks to human health. Traditional X-ray shielding materials often contain toxic lead and have drawbacks like bulkiness and rigidity. Consequently, there is an increasing need to develop lightweight, non-toxic, flexible, and efficient shielding materials. In this study, we modified barite with waterborne polyurethane (WPU) and systematically investigated the effects of WPU on barite's properties. The modification with WPU not only reduced the tendency of barite (B) to agglomerate but also enhanced its compatibility with polymers, thereby significantly improving the mechanical properties of LDPE/WPU-B composites. Compared to unmodified barite in LDPE/B composites, the tensile and flexural modulus of the LDPE/WPU-B composites increased by 22.31% and 29.64%, respectively. With 20% WPU-modified barite, the radiation shielding efficiency increased by 5%. When the WPU-B content reached 40%, the shielding efficiency of the LDPE/WPU-B composite exceeded 90% for tube voltages ranging from 60 kV to 120 kV, achieving a lead equivalent of 0.38 mmPb at 100 kV. This novel LDPE/WPU-B composite has great potential for low-dose radiation shielding applications.