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Radiation protection using bismuth oxide nanoparticles in water-based polyurethane coatings
Researchers at Istanbul Technical University have developed a novel coating made of bismuth oxide nanoparticles and water-based polyurethane. This combination enables flexible, portable materials to be made that provide protection against ionising radiation.
Ionising radiation, such as that emitted by medical X-ray machines, cancer treatments or industrial applications, poses a health risk. That is why effective protective materials are essential. A team of researchers led by Bilge Koyuncu, Nebahat Aral, Cevza Candan and Banu Nergis has developed a coating based on a combination of bismuth oxide nanoparticles (Bi₂O₃) and water-based polyurethane (WPU). This novel formulation consists of 60% Bi₂O₃ and 40% WPU and has been applied to a commercially available lightweight fabric. This results in flexible, portable protective materials with high radiation shielding.
The shielding performance of the coated textiles was tested according to the TS EN 61331-1:2014 standard at tube voltages of 40 kV, 60 kV, 80 kV and 100 kV. This showed a promising protective effect against X-rays. In addition to the radiation protection test, the researchers subjected the samples to further material tests. These included investigations using scanning electron microscopy (SEM-EDS) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) to characterise the coating. In addition, practical textile properties such as water repellency, abrasion resistance and material stiffness were tested.
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Significance for organic coatings and functional textiles
The combination of bismuth oxide nanoparticles and water-based polyurethane opens up new possibilities for organic coatings with functional added value. Such materials could be used not only in medical technology, but also in industry or in occupational safety. They are particularly relevant for wearable protective textiles that combine high wearing comfort with effective radiation shielding. Water-based coating systems such as this also offer ecological advantages over solvent-based alternatives. This development shows the potential of functional coatings to minimise health risks while promoting sustainable materials.
Source: Journal of Coatings Technology and Research, Volume 21, Pages 969–978 (2024)
