Optically transparent screens should be used to protect personnel performing interventional fluoroscopic procedures (angiography) or X-ray examinations (mammography, CT) against damaging radiation. Lead-containing screens were used for a long time to protect personnel, however, due to lead toxicity, these screens should be replaced by other items that are designed using new radiation-protective materials without lead.
This project is aimed to create optically transparent polymeric nanocomposites for the construction of the new type screen that protect against X-ray radiation.
Such material should provide reasonable good X-ray attenuating properties and be transparent for visible light. These requirements are fulfilled by the new optically transparent polymer nanocomposites, fabricated by embedding synthesized W and Mo nanoparticles into polymer matrix or initiating growth of the 2D and 3D particles (wires, rods, plates) having enhanced surface area in polymer
solution.
X- ray attenuation properties of the protective shield prototype will be tested under real medical X-ray diagnostic conditions.
Project funding:
Projects funded by the Research Council of Lithuania (RCL), Projects carried out by researchers’ teams
Project results:
Aquarium-type optically transparent radiation protection screen filled with a lead-free polymer composite was created and patented. This screen is dedicated for daily application in medical departments that are using ionizing radiation for diagnostics and treatment of patients
Project coordinator: Kaunas University of Technology
