Increased X-ray attenuation efficiency of graphene-based nanocomposite

Abstract

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 Xray 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 leadfree PVDF/GO radiopaque films can be manufactured, offering efficient protection against X-ray radiation for patients and devices in radiology procedures.