A groundbreaking coating material combining bismuth oxide nanoparticles and waterborne polyurethane offers promising protection against ionizing radiation, providing flexibility and lightweight properties.

Protection against ionizing radiation is crucial across sectors like medicine, industry, and emergency management. A recent article in the Journal of Coatings Technology and Research explores the development of a novel coating material composed of bismuth oxide nanoparticles (Bi？O？) and waterborne polyurethane (WPU). This composite material was applied to lightweight woven fabrics to create wearable and flexible shielding materials.

Tested according to TS EN 61331-1:2014 standards, the coatings demonstrated significant X-ray shielding capabilities at tube voltages ranging from 40 kV to 100 kV. In addition to shielding efficiency, the coated fabrics underwent textile performance tests for water repellency, abrasion resistance, and stiffness, all of which yielded promising results.

Characterization techniques, including scanning electron microscopy (SEM-EDS) and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), validated the coating’s quality. This innovative combination of materials offers a lightweight and flexible alternative to conventional heavy shielding materials.

This advancement could set new benchmarks for medical and industrial applications, accelerating the development of safer, wearable protective solutions.

Source: Journal of Coatings Technology and Research, Volume 21, pages 969–978 (2024).