The use of isophthalic-bismuth polymer composites as radiation shielding barriers in nuclear medicine

One of the most reliable means of protecting the medical personnel, patients and the general public in a nuclear medicine department is having a proper and effective radiation shielding barriers in place. The suitability of Isophthalic-Bi₂O₃ polymer composite with this formulation: (100-x)C₈H₆O₄-xBi₂O₃ (where x = 40, 30, 20, 10, 5 and 0 percentage fractions), as radiation protective barriers at commonly used energies in diagnostic nuclear medicine centers was investigated. XCOM computer program and data base was used to determine the mass attenuation coefficients (MACs) of the Isophthalic-Bi₂O₃ Polymer Composites at 140 keV (Tc-99m) and 511 keV (F-18) energies. Other relevant properties were derived using the required equations. The mass attenuation coefficients of all the polymer composites are higher than that of concrete (material commonly used for wall barriers in nuclear medicine) at 140 and 511 keV. Most of the studied composites have lower half value layer (HVL) at the energies considered in this work and all are lighter than concrete. (paper)