Development of X-ray protective garments from rare earth-modified natural rubber composites

Abstract

Commonly used shielding materials while X-ray imaging by clinical persons is based on lead but incessant contact with this toxic material can pave way to severe health problems. Polymer composites, embedded with lead-free additives, especially based on natural rubber can be chosen as a suitable alternative candidate due to its lightweight, cost-effectiveness and capability to absorb regular energy region of X-ray used in medical imaging. Rubber composites were prepared with modified rare earth oxides at different filler loadings. The characterization of the filler reveals that their size falls in the nanoregime, which, in turn, supplemented to the superior properties of the composites. Mechanical properties were found to increase with filler content. X-ray shielding studies were done at different tube voltages and thicknesses and the results prove the efficacy of materials to be considered as a promising shielding resource.