X-ray shielding performance of the EPVC composites with micro- or nanoparticles of WO3, PbO or Bi2O3.

Attenuation characteristics (mass attenuation coefficient, HVL and the 0.5-mm Pb equivalent thickness) of EPVC composites with micro- or nanoparticles of WO3, PbO, or Bi2O3 with respect to diagnostics X-rays (40-100 kVp) were studied. The composites with nanoparticles outperform the similar composites with microparticles in some respects. Among the composites with nanoparticles, the Bi2O3- and PbO-containing composites perform similarly. Thus, Bi2O3 can be used as a suitable alternative to PbO in shielding designs.