Enhanced X-ray Shielding Ability of Polymer–Nonleaded Metal Composites by Multilayer Structuring

Polymer–nonleaded metal (tungsten, Sendust) composites were prepared to study the effects of multilayer structure on X-ray shielding ability. Though the metals were nonleaded, the metal contents were low, and the composite films were thin, the composite films showed favorable X-ray shielding ability due to the uniform dispersion of metal particles in the polymer matrix and the flake alignment (Sendust). This means that multi- layered particles can effectively absorb the penetrating photons and they fill the pin holes in the composite. More uniformly aligned Sendust shows better shielding effect than randomly oriented Sendust. The lamination order of tungsten film and Sendust composite film affects the final performance of the laminated composites. This work demonstrates that nonleaded metal–polymer composite can be applied for X-ray shielding as a reliable substitute material for lead.