Multifiller nanocomposites containing gadolinium oxide and bismuth nanoparticles with enhanced X‐ray attenuation property

• Published in: Journal of applied polymer science 2021-09, Vol.138 (42), p.n/a
• Main Authors: Jayakumar, Sangeetha, Mani, Vadivel, Saravanan, Thangavelu, Rajamanickam, Karunanithi, Prabhu, Alex Daniel, Philip, John
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Atomic force microscopy; Attenuation coefficients; Bismuth; Chemical bonds; Dental materials; Edge effect; Fourier transforms; Gadolinium; Gadolinium oxide; Gadolinium oxides; Gloves; Hydrogen bonding; Interfacial bonding; Materials science; Nanocomposites; Nanoparticles; Polymers; rubber; Shielding; spectroscopy; Stability analysis; Surface roughness; surfaces and interfaces; Thermal stability; Thermogravimetric analysis; X‐ray
• ISSN: 0021-8995; 1097-4628
• DOI: 10.1002/app.51252

We report here the development of multifiller nanocomposite containing gadolinium oxide and bismuth nanofillers with enhanced X‐ray attenuation property. The mass attenuation coefficient of the nanocomposite is found to be 5.26 (X‐ray attenuation: 95%) and 2.22 cm2/g (X‐ray attenuation: 71%), respectively, under dental and lung X‐ray scan conditions. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy confirms the interfacial interaction between Gd2O3 nanofillers and the polymer matrix through hydrogen bonding. Atomic force microscopy images of the nanocomposite show a smooth and uniform topography with an average surface roughness of ~19 nm. Thermogravimetric analysis confirms the thermal stability of the nanocomposite upto 384°C. The enhanced X‐ray attenuation property of the nanocomposite is attributed to the good interfacial bonding, dual k‐edge effect of nanofillers and their uniform distribution within the polymeric matrix. Therefore, this nanocomposite is a promising material for diagnostic X‐ray shielding, especially as, thyroid collar, gonad shield, aprons, gloves, and so on. Silicon polymer based multifiller nanocomposite containing Gd2O3 and Bi nanofillers is successfully prepared which is found to be effective in attenuating X‐rays under dental and lung X‐ray scan conditions. Gd2O3 nanofillers are found to exhibit interfacial interaction with the polymer matrix via hydrogen bonding. The nanocomposite is thermally stable upto 384°C. Therefore, the nanocomposite could find potential application in developing radiopaque fabrics for the protection of patients and operators during diagnostic X‐ray techniques.