Introducing a novel Polyvinyl chloride/Tungsten composites for shielding against gamma and X-ray radiations

Introduction: This study introduces a novel polyvinyl chloride (PVC)/tungsten composites with characterization of their shielding properties by employing different techniques. Methods: The PVC/tungsten composites were produced by employing various weight fractions of tungsten micro-particles including 0, 20, and 40 % wt via melt blending method. In the next step, the linear attenuation coefficients of prepared composite samples were experimentally measured at 662 keV γ-ray, and then were compared to the data estimated using MCNP simulation code and XCOM software. Also the shielding properties of samples were evaluated experimentally with an X-ray tube at 40 kVp. Results: Recorded results showed that by increasing the weight percentage of the tungsten micro-particles, the coefficient of linear attenuation and also the absorbed dose values were increased dramatically. Samples containing 20, and 40% wt of tungsten micro-particles reached to 89.60 and 92.26 %of dose absorption, respectively. Interestingly the proposed composition were approximately 2.3 lighter than the commercial shields. Conclusion: The linear attenuation coefficient of the composite shields has been calculated to be 0.20 cm-1, which was comparable with commercial Pb-based shields. Tungsten micro-particles addition to PVC matrix can increase the absorbed dose value. Plasticized PVC has suitable flexibility and low stiffness value, therefore it can be a good alternative for commercial aprons and other Pb-based shields in low energy voltages.