Solution Processed High-Z Composite Materials for Wearable Radiation Protections

Combating WMD entails appropriate personnel protective wear and radiation shielding of combating vehicles, aircrafts and structures. Current personnel protections use materials that are too heavy and uncomfortable to be worn, ineffective to high energy gamma radiation and high manufacture cost for broad deployment. Recent advances in nanomaterials science provide a new perspective for the next-generation radiation attenuation materials designed to balance weight, flexibility and structural integrity. Therefore, we propose a new radiation shielding composite that is capable of absorbing and/or dissipating a broad range of radiation particles. The composite is composed of (1) high-Z compounds for high attenuation coefficient for gamma radiations, (2) carbon nanotubes (CNT) to enhance mechanical strength, thermal conductivity and electron dissipation, and (3) hydrogen-rich polymers that, in addition to providing structural support to form strong textiles, can absorb neutrons and secondary ions. The research will involve composite synthesis, film casting, fiber spinning, and characterization of attenuation coefficient for gamma radiations. The composites can have a number of desired features which include: (1) high attenuation coefficient for gammas rays and other radiation particles and harmful secondary ions; (2) wear comfort by rapidly removing heat; (3) high mechanical strength and flexibility; (4) lightweight; and (5) low production cost.