Volume 49 Number 3

Development and characterization of the PVA/PVP: MO composite films for lead-free X-ray shielding applications

Paitoon Boonsong^a, Chulalak Damphathik^b, Anucha Watcharapasorn^c,d, Ampika Rachakom^e,*

 
ABSTRACT:     Amid growing concerns over the environmental and health hazards linked to lead-based X-ray shielding materials, this study examines the development of polyvinyl alcohol/polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVA/PVP) blend films containing 50 wt% metal oxides (MOs) such as Bi2 O3 , WO3 , Ta2 O5 , MoO3 , and BaTiO3 . The films were synthesized via the solution casting method to assess their suitability as alternative materials for X-ray shielding. The X-ray transmission factor (TF), linear attenuation coefficient (LAC), half-value length (HVL), and tenth-value layer (TVL) were evaluated at different X-ray energies. Theoretical values of the mass attenuation coefficients (MACxcom) were also determined using the XCOM software. Compared to the other samples, the PVA/PVP blend film containing 50 wt% Bi2 O3 (PPB) demonstrated the highest X-ray attenuation efficiency, with a TF value of 2.87% at 28 kVp and 47.99% at 80 kVp. The LAC values for the PPB sample were measured as 72.28, 27.80, 17.17, and 14.94 cm?1 at 28, 61, 70, and 80 kVp, respectively. The PVA/PVP/Bi2 O3 composite exhibited the lowest HVL and TVL values, signifying its superior shielding efficiency. Additionally, the XCOM data confirmed that the incorporation of metal oxides significantly enhanced the MACxcom values, particularly at the K, L, and M absorption edges, thereby improving energy absorption and attenuation. The PVA/PVP blend film loaded with 50 wt% Bi2 O3 are promising candidates for lead-free X-ray shielding materials, aligning with the increasing demand for more sustainable and non-toxic radiation protection in medical applications.

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* Corresponding author, E-mail: ampika_aom@rmutl.ac.th

Received 23 Apr 2025, Accepted 20 May 2026