X-ray and Gamma-Ray Shielding Capacity of Recycled Polyethylene Terephthalate (R-Pet) Added with Barite (baso4) and Metal Oxide Microparticles.

In this study, four r-PET-based microcomposites (P1C1, P1C2, P1C3, and P1C4) were synthesized via solution casting, incorporating barite (BaSO4) and different metal oxide microparticles (WO3, Bi2O3, Fe2O3, and TiO2) to enhance radiation attenuation. The linear attenuation coefficient calculated by XCOM and Phy-X/PSD, the mean value layer calculation, as well as a comparative analysis with other materials reported in the literature and used in construction for ionizing energy shielding, show that the alternative of using r-PET as a matrix offers many advantages in the manufacture of X-ray and gamma-ray shielding materials. The reported materials were evaluated for an energy range between 0.015 and 10 MeV, covering the energy ranges used in medical and industrial applications. These results demonstrate that r-PET-based composites combine high shielding efficiency with reduced mass and a sustainable composition, representing a promising, environmentally friendly, and ergonomically favorable alternative to conventional lead-based shielding.