Advanced lead free, multi-constituent-based composite materials for shielding against diagnostic X-rays

Abstract

We report a novel chemical method for the development of advanced lead free, multi-constituent-based composite materials for shielding against diagnostic X-rays by exploring the multi-elemental, multi-componential phases inherently present in red mud and brine sludge. The chemical treatment of red mud with citric acid and further using brine sludge leads to formation of two types of powders, tailored radiation shielding powder & advance tailored radiation shielding powder. The synthesised shielding powders were characterised by using various techniques like FTIR, TGA, DSC, FESEM, XRD and EDS. The synthesized powders have high-density, multi-layered, multicrystaland multi-shielding phases necessary for imparting radiation shielding properties. The shielding at different energies of X-ray photons for developed advanced radiation shielding panels and tiles has been calculated. The developed advanced lead free, multiconstituent-based composite materials can be used in broad application spectrum ranging from diagnostic X-ray and CT scanner room to other strategic radiation shielding installation.