Fabrication Process and Particle Dispersion Characteristics of W-PETG-Based 3D-Printed Composites for Medical...

In this study, a W-polyethylene terephthalate glycol (PETG)-based 3D-printed composite was designed for medical radiation shielding, and syringe shielding components were fabricated to evaluate shielding performance and particle dispersion characteristics. Up to 70 wt% of tungsten powder was incorporated into the PETG polymer matrix to produce W-PETG filaments suitable for 3D printing. Using the fused deposition modeling (FDM) method, a 3.0 mm-thick radiation shielding cover for a 10 mL syringe was fabricated. Radiation shielding performance was assessed using a ^99mTc (200 µCi) source at distances of 30, 50, and 100 cm. While a conventional 1.0 mm Pb shield exhibited shielding efficiencies of 92.24%, 94.26%, and 95.13% at each distance, the 3.0 mm W-PETG shield demonstrated efficiencies of 70.67%, 75.64%, and 77.57%, respectively. Higher temperatures improved shielding efficiency by approximately 5.48 percentage points. When processed above 160 °C, tungsten particle clustering decreased and a more uniform dispersion was achieved, enhancing shielding performance. The interrelationship among filament fabrication parameters, particle dispersion behavior, and shielding performance of W-PETG composites was quantitatively demonstrated. The lightweight, geometric design flexibility, and compatibility with 3D-printing processes of W-PETG composites suggest strong potential as alternative materials for custom medical radiation shielding devices.