Nonconjugated conductive polymers for protection against nuclear radiation including radioactive iodine

Abstract

Nonconjugated conductive polymers have unique characteristics for providing protection against nuclear radiation including radioactive iodine (carcinogenic) which remains in vapor phase at and above room temperature and is difficult to contain. When iodine comes in contact with such a polymer, a charge-transfer occurs between the double bond and iodine, and as a consequence, the iodine atoms become bound to the polymer chain. Large films/sheets of these polymers covering nuclear reactors and waste storage facilities will act as effective shields against radioactive iodine since iodine atoms will be captured by these polymers and will not be able to escape to the environment. In addition, apparels made of these polymers will reduce exposure to radioactive iodine for doctors, nurses, attendees, and visitors during and after radioiodine therapy of thyroid patients. Thus, these polymeric shields should protect lives and the environment and reduce or avoid the exposure to humans in case of iodine releases from nuclear reactors: in normal day-to-day operations, due to accidents, and in disasters up to the magnitude of Fukushima Daiichi and Chernobyl.