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Eco-friendly water-based coating achieves high-performance X/γ-ray shielding
A novel water-based radiation attenuation coating, integrating core-shell fillers, provides lightweight, scalable, and eco-friendly protection against X-rays and γ-rays, outperforming traditional lead-based shields.
To overcome the toxicity, weight, and environmental limitations of traditional lead-based radiation shields, researchers Yanhe Wu, Yushuai Cheng, and Zhengke Wang have developed a lightweight, water-based radiation attenuation coating. The innovative design integrates core-shell fillers, Gd@Si and Bi@Si, into a waterborne polyurethane/polyvinyl alcohol matrix, ensuring uniform dispersion of high atomic number fillers while enhancing photon scattering.
The coating achieves an X-ray attenuation efficiency of 99.1 % at 31 keV with a thickness of only 1.5 mm, comparable to 0.25 mm lead. Additionally, its γ-ray mass attenuation coefficient of 0.1408 cm²/g at 662 keV surpasses lead by 44 %. Despite these high shielding capabilities, the coating maintains robust mechanical properties with a 683.9 % elongation at 50 wt% filler loading and thermal stability up to 264.9 °C.
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The EC Conference Next-Gen water based Coatings is the meeting point for all scientist and experts in the field of water-based coatings as well as sustainability. The conference provides a platform to learn about the latest advancements, breakthroughs and trends and offers the opportunity to hear from experts, researchers, and industry leaders who will be sharing their insights and knowledge.
Scalable and sustainable radiation protection
With a density 78 % lower than lead, hydrophobic properties (97.5° contact angle), and strong adhesion to diverse substrates, this water-based coating offers a scalable and eco-friendly solution for radiation shielding. Its lightweight and sprayable composition make it ideal for applications in medical, nuclear, and aerospace industries, providing effective protection while reducing environmental impact.
Source: Wu, Y., Cheng, Y., & Wang, Z., Water-based X/γ-ray shielding coating: design of core-shell structure and waterborne matrix, and its radiation attenuation properties. Prog. Org. Coat. 2025, 109837.
