Use of styrene monomer-modified polyester in the fabrication of tissue-equivalent phantoms

Tissue equivalent materials are often required both for routine quality control and for specialized studies in radiological physics. This work describes techniques and materials for casting of dosimetry devices from a widely available commercial resin suitable for use in a radiotherapy clinic. Methods are described for mixing and curing the material in such a way as to ensure complete reaction of the resin while maintaining a safe exothermic temperature. The clear plastic form of the cured resin is particularly useful for aligning measurement devices in the radiation field. Its specific gravity and narrow beam attenuation characteristics are similar to those of acrylic. The dosimetric characteristics of the material are reported, and its use in the construction of a patient phantom is described.