https://doi.org/10.1140/epjp/s13360-025-07223-x
Regular Article
X-ray shielding performance of epoxy resin-based composites incorporating high-density fillers as lead-free alternatives for radiological protection
1
Sciences and Engineering of Biomedicals, Biophysics and Health Laboratory, Higher Institute of Health Sciences, Hassan First University, 26000, Settat, Morocco
2
Higher Institute of Nursing Professions and Health Techniques, Rabat, Morocco
3
Department of Radiology, Public Hospital of Mediouna, Mediouna, Morocco
4
Department of Radiology, Private Hospital of Hay Mouhamadi, Casablanca, Morocco
a
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Received:
13
August
2025
Accepted:
15
December
2025
Published online:
27
December
2025
Abstract
Radiology room ceilings pose unique challenges for radiation shielding, requiring lightweight materials that ensure both structural compatibility and effective attenuation. This study proposes and evaluates novel lead-free epoxy resin-based composites filled with high-density materials, iron oxide (Fe2O3) and zinc sulfate (ZnSO4), for potential application in ceiling shielding. Four composites were synthesized via high-speed mixing and post-curing: Composite 1 (C1: 80% Fe2O3 + 20% C21H25ClO5), Composite 2 (C2: 90% Fe2O3 + 10% C21H25ClO5), Composite 3 (C3: 80% ZnSO4 + 20% C21H25ClO5), and Composite 4 (C4: 90% ZnSO4 + 10% C21H25ClO5). The X-ray shielding performance was investigated across a photon energy range of 15–150 keV. Key parameters including mass attenuation coefficients (μ/ρ), half-value layer (HVL), tenth-value layer (TVL), buildup, and transmission factors were evaluated. Results indicate that composites with higher filler content (C2 and C4) exhibit enhanced attenuation, especially at lower energies. At 15 keV, C2 displayed the highest attenuation coefficient (32.376 cm2/g), while C3 and C4 showed improved shielding at higher energies, emphasizing ZnSO4’s efficiency. Notably, C3 achieved an HVL of 1.361 cm at 150 keV. The comparative analysis with standard materials like lead and aluminum reveals that these composites closely approach or even exceed traditional shielding performance in specific energy ranges. This demonstrates their promising potential as lead-free alternatives, highlighting the critical role of filler type and concentration in optimizing shielding efficiency, affirming the feasibility of epoxy resin-based composites for radiology room ceilings.
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© The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Società Italiana di Fisica and Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature 2025
Springer Nature or its licensor (e.g. a society or other partner) holds exclusive rights to this article under a publishing agreement with the author(s) or other rightsholder(s); author self-archiving of the accepted manuscript version of this article is solely governed by the terms of such publishing agreement and applicable law.
