Parts | Days | Selection | Search | Updates | Downloads | Help
ST: Fachverband Strahlen- und Medizinphysik
ST 6: Poster Session
ST 6.1: Poster
Thursday, March 19, 2026, 14:15–15:45, Redoutensaal
WO3-based polymer composites for radiation protection — •Maria Stefanova1, Stefani Bogoeva1, Vladimira Videva1, Strahil Georgiev2, Dimitrina Petrova1,3, Vera Marinova1, and Dimitre Dimitrov1,4 — 1Institute of Optical Materials and Technologies, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Sofia, Bulgaria — 2Faculty of Physics, Sofia University,1164 Sofia, Bulgaria — 3Faculty of Engineering, South-West University, 2700 Blagoevgrad, Bulgaria — 4Institute of Solid State Physics, BAS, 1784 Sofia, Bulgaria
Lead-based radiation shielding materials, though effective, are limited by their toxicity, rigidity, and environmental hazards. This study explores a polymer composite incorporating tungsten trioxide (WO3) as a lead-free alternative for gamma and X-ray protection. WO3 was selected for its high atomic number, density and chemical stability, offering efficient attenuation with lower ecological impact. Composites with varying WO3 concentrations were synthesized and evaluated for mechanical properties, microstructural uniformity and radiation shielding efficiency. Preliminary results indicate that WO3*polymer composites achieve comparable attenuation to conventional lead materials while exhibiting superior flexibility, lower weight and non-toxicity. These findings demonstrate the potential of WO3-filled polymers as sustainable materials for radiation-protective equipment.
Acknowledgments The research was supported by the scientific infrastructure INFRAMAT, part of the National Roadmap of Bulgaria for scientific infrastructure, financially supported by the Ministry of Education and Science.
Keywords: Radiation shielding; Tungsten trioxide (WO₃); Polymer composites; Lead-free materials