Designing a Shield with Lead-Free Polymer Base with High Radiation Protection for X-ray Photons in the Range of Diagnostic Radiology Using Monte Carlo Simulation Code MCNP5

Document Type : Original Article (s)

Authors

1 Professor, Department of Medical Physics and Engineering, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran

2 MSc Student, Department of Medical Physics, School of Medicine AND Student Research Committee, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran

3 Professor, Department of Medical Physics, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran

4 Assistant Professor, Radiation Research Center, School of Mechanical Mendes, University of Shiraz, Shiraz, Iran

5 Instructor, Department of Radiology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran

Abstract

Background: Apron used in diagnostic radiology to protect worker and patients who are exposed to unnecessary ionizing radiation, is based on lead. Although, this protection can prevent the passage of X-rays used in diagnostic radiology, but a lot of research is found that lead is a toxic metal. Therefore, a lead-free shield should be built which can be protect workers and patients from unnecessary ionizing radiation.Methods: In this method, the absorption edge of different metals in the range of the energy spectrum of diagnostic radiology was investigated. Then, with the effect of overlapping edges, different combinations of metals as input Monte Carlo simulation was considered. Information obtained from the Monte Carlo simulation defines how the composition and percentage metals can have maximum impact on reducing the transmission of X-rays from the shield.Findings: The results showed that for building lead-free shields, using 20% tin, 15% of tungsten and 45% of 20% bismuth-based polymer emulsion Poly vinyl Chloride (EPVC) combination is the best options which can reduce X-rays in the range of diagnostic radiology.Conclusion: Characterized by the use of absorption edge overlap effect in different metals we can build a lead-free shield that decreases the intensity of X-rays in the range of diagnostic radiology much better than lead shield.

Keywords

References

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Journal of Isfahan Medical School
Volume 34, Issue 385 - Serial Number 385
May and June 2016
Pages 637-641

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History

  • Receive Date: 06 March 2016
  • Revise Date: 27 May 2024
  • Accept Date: 06 April 2022

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