Study the attenuation ability of the composites containing micro-size and nano-sized tungsten oxide and lead oxide as diagnostic X-ray shields

In this study the attenuation ability of composites containing micro-size and nano-sized WO3 is measured and compared with the attenuation ability of composites containing micro-size and nano-sized PbO for X-rays in diagnostic energy range. For the purpose, after synthesizing nano particles and providing micro particles, different percentages of them imbedded in emulsion poly vinyl chloride (EPVC) and prepared as shields with the thickness of about 2mm and exposed in 40-100 kVp range. Transmitted dose, density and mass attenuation coefficient of prepared samples were determined and compared with previous studies. According to the results the attenuation ability of nano-particle containing shields is better than this ability for micro-particle containing ones. Also the results for WO3 containing samples differ slightly with the results of PbO containing ones. In addition all of the prepared samples have very lower density than PbO and WO3. Thus, the shields containing nano WO3 are light, flexible and could be a suitable alternative for lead aprons.