Assessment of the attenuation capacity of bismuth in polydimethylsiloxane composite reinforced with varying oxides using Particle and Heavy Ion Transport code System

Abstract

Lead apron has been the standard shielding material in diagnostic and interventional radiology, but faces health issue due to its toxicity. A lead-free apron composed 45% Bi − 45% (C₂H₃OSi)_n – 10% Y₂O₃ and 45% Bi − 45% (C₂H₃OSi)_n – 10% ZnO in a multilayer and monolayer design were simulated via PHITS to determine its shielding capacity. Results show that the capability of the PDMS-based apron to be an alternative for the standard lead apron. A thickness of 0.11 cm of the PDMS-based apron can be utilized in the x-ray energy range of 100 keV-120 keV. This can offer the same protection of lead-apron without contributing a health hazard to occupational workers.