Core-Shell W@Gd2O3/PP Fiber for Radiation Protection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for preparing core-shell structured radiation protection materials are time-consuming and complex, limiting their practical application in lightweight, flexible textiles for X and γ ray protection, while lead-based materials are toxic and lead-free alternatives face challenges in effective secondary radiation absorption.

Innovation Solution

A method involving the preparation of core-shell structured tungsten/gadolinium oxide functional fibers using a dopamine-based coating process, where tungsten powder is coated with polydopamine and then calcined with gadolinium nitrate to form W@Gd2O3, followed by blending with PP and extrusion to create a composite fiber, optimizing the concentration and pH conditions for efficient adhesion and radiation absorption.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional core-shell structured radiation protection materials are prepared using template method, precipitation method, or hydrothermal synthesis method, then the materials can achieve synergistic protection and absorb secondary radiation, but the preparation process becomes complex and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveradiation protection performanceVSAvoidpreparation process complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses polydopamine as an intermediary substance to facilitate the formation of core-shell structured W@Gd2O3 particles. The polydopamine coating on tungsten powder serves as a precursor that guides the subsequent gadolinium oxide shell formation, simplifying the overall process while maintaining the beneficial synergistic protection effects of the core-shell structure

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs parameter changes by controlling pH conditions and using chemical precipitation to transform the preparation process. By adjusting pH and using simple solution chemistry rather than complex hydrothermal or template methods, the patent achieves core-shell structure formation with reduced process complexity and time

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If lead-based materials are used for radiation protection, then excellent protective effect is achieved, but the materials are toxic and have poor strength

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprotective effectVSAvoidtoxicity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a composite material system combining tungsten core with gadolinium oxide shell (W@Gd2O3). This composite structure provides radiation protection comparable to lead while eliminating toxicity concerns. The tungsten provides density for radiation attenuation while gadolinium oxide adds neutron capture capability and eliminates the harmful effects associated with lead-based materials

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

3Object-affected harmful factors

If lead-free composite materials are used for radiation protection, then lightweight and safety are improved, but the ability to absorb secondary radiation is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetoxicity and weightVSAvoidsecondary radiation absorption
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent designs a composite material combining tungsten and gadolinium oxide in a core-shell structure. Gadolinium oxide is specifically selected for its high neutron capture cross-section and ability to absorb secondary radiation, while tungsten provides the primary radiation attenuation. This composite approach restores and enhances secondary radiation absorption capabilities while maintaining the lightweight and non-toxic advantages of lead-free materials

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies local quality by creating a core-shell structure where different materials perform different functions. The tungsten core handles primary radiation attenuation while the gadolinium oxide shell specifically addresses secondary radiation absorption. This functional differentiation ensures optimal performance for each radiation type without requiring lead-based materials throughout the entire structure

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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 method produces a core-shell structured fiber that provides synergistic radiation protection by effectively absorbing secondary radiation, overcoming the limitations of existing methods with improved adhesion and absorption capabilities.

Implementation Method 1

dopamine (DA) can oxidize and self-polymerize into polydopamine on the surface of any material under the weak alkaline condition of simulated seawater

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectOxidation: Oxidation

Implementation Method 2

dopamine (DA) can oxidize and self-polymerize into polydopamine on the surface of any material

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSelf-polymerization: Photopolymerisation

Implementation Method 3

there are a large number of phenolic hydroxyl and amino active groups on polydopamine, which provide abundant active sites for the complexation of metal ions

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAdsorption: Adsorption

Implementation Method 4

the core-shell structured radiation protection materials can function for synergistic protection, eliminating a weak protection area while effectively absorbing secondary radiation generated by radiation

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRadiation absorption: Absorption (EM radiation)

Data Source

PatentUS11987886B2Preparation method for tungsten/gadolinium oxide functional fiber having core-shell structure for x and gamma ray protection
Publication Date: 2024.05.21 NANTONG UNIV
  • US11987886B2 patent drawing

AI summary

The present application provides a preparation method for a core-shell structured tungsten/gadolinium oxide functional fiber for X and γ ray protection, comprising: first preparing a core-shell structured tungsten/gadolinium oxide powder; preparing a W@Gd2O3/PP blended melt from the powder; and preparing a W@Gd2O3/PP composite fiber from the blended melt. The core-shell structured tungsten/gadolinium oxide functional fiber prepared by the method can play a role in synergistic protection in the aspect of radiation protection, eliminate a weak protection area, and effectively absorb secondary radiation generated by radiation. Secondly, the prepared functional fiber has the characteristics of no lead and light weight, and has good application prospects in the aspect of X and γ ray radiation protection.