Increased X‑ray Attenuation Efficiency of Graphene-Based Nanocomposite

We report an enhanced X-ray shielding effect related to graphene. The mass attenuation coefficients measured for nanocomposites made of poly­(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) filled with 1.88 wt % functionalized graphene oxides (GO), pyrolytic graphite (PG), multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT), and amorphous carbon (soot) have been compared. For 6.9 keV photons, the value measured for graphene-based nanocomposite was found to be four times higher than that encountered for the other graphitic-based nanocomposites. The mass attenuation coefficients were measured for X-ray photons with 6.9, 8.1, 17.5, and 22.1 keV, respectively. Fourier transform infrared data revealed that all graphitic composites casted from solution are in the ferroelectric β-phase of PVDF. It is demonstrated that thin films of ferroelectric PVDF/1.88 wt % GO nanocomposite, with thickness of only 0.1 mm, can attenuate 82.9% and 48.5% of X-ray beams with energies of 6.9 and 8.1 keV, respectively. Thus, lightweight, very thin, and lead-free PVDF/GO radiopaque films can be manufactured, offering efficient protection against X-ray radiation for patients and devices in radiology procedures.