Integrating high-Z elements and multilayer structures into composite films with interlayer scattering effects for...

High-energy ionizing radiation brings serious challenges to medical professionals, and it demands efficient and lightweight shielding materials depending on high-Z elements and structural supporting matrices. Herein, we have integrated multiple high-Z elements and multilayer structures into composite films with interlayer scattering effects for constructing high-energy X-ray shielding clothes. A series of composite films containing different combinations of X-ray shielding particles (SnO₂, BaSO₄, and Bi₂O₃) were prepared in tightly connected two layers with each layer consisting of corresponding hybrid polyacrylonitrile (PAN) fibers-reinforced hybrid thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) coating. The optimized composite film L_Ba3.7/L_Bi3.7 avoids lead toxicity and has a tensile strength of 17.92 MPa and high flexibility due to the reinforcing effect of PAN hybrid fibers. The L_Ba3.7/L_Bi3.7 with a density of ∼ 2.98 g cm^-3 and a thickness of 2.24 mm exhibits 18 % lighter than the 0.5 mmPb lead apron. Owing to the combination of multiple particles and layer structures, the absorption and interlayer scattering effects of L_Ba3.7/L_Bi3.7 are leveraged to confer a high X-ray shielding efficiency of 96.3 % at 100 keV, surpassing single-element films and closing to 0.5 mmPb lead apron. This work offers a viable strategy for developing flexible, lightweight, and efficient wearable materials for high-energy X-ray shielding.