Metal-polymer composites for radiation protection: a review

Ionizing radiations are hazardous in the long run if exposed to a limit higher than the permissible limit (20 mSv/year). It can cause serious health issues like cancer, cardiac disease, cataract, damage to central nervous system, and other acute radiation syndromes. With an increase in the application of ionizing radiations in different fields like medicinal industries, therapeutic treatment, diagnostic imaging, food preservation, research centers, etc., the need for shielding material has also become crucial. Conventionally metallic lead, concrete, and the composite of lead with other heavy metals are used for radiation shielding. Although their shielding properties are quite good, they are either toxic, heavy, corrosive, or have weak thermal or mechanical stability. Therefore new radiation shielding materials obviating these drawbacks are in demand. Lead-free metal-polymer composites which are fabricated by incorporating high Z metal compounds in the polymer matrix are found to be a better alternative as radiation shielding materials, due to their light weight, flexibility, nontoxicity, noncorrosiveness, and good mechanical properties. This review article focuses on the studies carried out in the area of the development of polymer composite materials with a variety of high Z metal compounds and polymers for shielding ionizing radiations. The existing gap and future direction of work are also presented here.