Flexible Radiation Shielding Composite Films

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing radiation protection materials, such as lead, are limited by toxicity, weight, and rigidity, and achieving high radiation attenuation with desirable physical properties like flexibility and durability at high particle concentrations is challenging.

Innovation Solution

Composite materials with high loadings of inorganic particles, such as bismuth(III) oxide dispersed in an elastic polymer, which can be formulated into flexible films with high radiation attenuation capabilities, allowing for customizable particle distribution to enhance protection where needed.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If high concentrations of inorganic particles are used for radiation protection, then radiation attenuation is improved, but control of particle locations and maintenance of physical properties deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a polymer matrix as an intermediary material that binds inorganic radiation-shielding particles together. This matrix acts as a mediating substance that holds the particles in fixed positions while allowing the composite material to maintain flexibility and processability, thus enabling high particle concentrations without losing control over particle locations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a composite material system combining inorganic radiation-shielding particles with an organic polymer matrix. This composite structure allows the material to simultaneously achieve high radiation attenuation (from the inorganic particles) and maintain desirable physical properties like flexibility and processability (from the polymer matrix), resolving the contradiction between particle concentration and manufacturability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Quantity of substance

If high concentrations of inorganic particles are used for radiation protection, then radiation attenuation is improved, but mechanical flexibility deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a composite material system where inorganic radiation-shielding particles are embedded in a polymer matrix. The polymer component provides mechanical flexibility and elasticity, while the inorganic particles provide radiation attenuation. This composite structure allows high particle concentrations to be achieved without sacrificing the mechanical flexibility needed for practical applications like wearable protective clothing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes the viscoelastic properties and phase behavior of polymers to control the processing and final mechanical properties of the composite. By selecting appropriate polymers and processing conditions, the material can be formed into flexible structures that maintain both high particle content and desirable mechanical properties for practical use.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Quantity of substance

If lead is used for radiation protection, then radiation attenuation is improved, but toxicity and weight increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the chemical composition parameter by substituting lead with alternative inorganic materials such as bismuth oxide, barium sulfate, or tungsten oxide. These alternative materials provide comparable or sufficient radiation attenuation capabilities while having lower toxicity, thus resolving the contradiction between radiation protection effectiveness and harmful effects.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs alternative inorganic materials that are less toxic and potentially more sustainable than lead. While the radiation attenuation mechanism remains similar (using high-density inorganic particles), the choice of materials shifts toward environmentally friendlier options that can be used in wearable applications without the severe toxicity concerns associated with lead.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The composite materials provide effective radiation attenuation with high particle loadings, maintaining mechanical flexibility and durability, and can be integrated into articles like clothing for enhanced protection without the drawbacks of lead.

Implementation Method 1

composite materials that may be capable of providing protection from radiation, including materials that may be flexible, may provide relatively high radiation attenuation

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRadiation attenuation: Absorption (EM radiation)

Implementation Method 2

The elastic polymer may be a block copolymer, such as a block copolymer that includes at least one styrene block and at least one polyalkene block

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS20230207146A1Composite Materials for Radiation Shielding, Articles, and Methods

Publication Date: 2023.06.29

AI summary

Composite materials that may include particles of an inorganic material and an elastic polymer. The composite materials may be in the form of a flexible film. The composite materials may provide radiation shielding. Articles on or in which a composite material is disposed. Methods of forming composite materials.