Polyvinyl alcohol and epoxy based composites for radiation shielding applications

Polyvinyl alcohol and epoxy based composites for radiation shielding applications

Physics

Extensive use of radioactive isotopes in medical fields, industries, and radiations in research and nuclear reactor establishments has increased the risk of exposure to directly and indirectly ionizing radiations. While charged particles such as beta, proton, alpha and heavy ions are directly ionizing radiations, X-rays and γ-rays are indirectly ionizing radiations. X-rays are often used to sterilize medical equipment and to treat cancer, while X-rays are used to provide static images of parts of the body such as teeth, bones, foreign substances within body, and are also used in industries to find fracture defects. According to the report by National Council on Radiation Protection and Measurements (NCRP, 2009), the use of ionizing radiations in medical field has drastically increased from 15% to 48% during 1980-2006. These radiations having sufficient energy interact with human body causing damage to living tissues. Though beneficial, prolonged exposure to these radiations can cause both somatic as well as genetic damage depending on time, distance and the type of radiation exposure. Hence, precautionary measures against the hazardous effects caused by these radiations have become a major concern in modern times. While exposure to radiations is inevitable, the radiation effects can be reduced by limiting the time of exposure, increasing the distance from radioactive source and using suitable shielding material.

M V, Muthamma - 1445204

CHRIST (Deemed to be University)

English

PhD