A systematic investigation on the potential X-ray attenuation properties of Mg-doped SnO2 epoxy nanocomposite-based aprons as an alternate for lead commercial aprons

This study focuses on synthesizing and characterizing Mg-doped SnO₂ nanoparticles as a safe substitute for lead-based X-ray shielding aprons. Various molar weight percentages of Mg dopant were utilized during synthesis, and the resulting samples were analyzed using multiple techniques, such as X-ray diffraction, UV–visible, Photoluminescence, Raman spectroscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, high-resolution transmission and scanning electron microscopes. The nanoparticles were then combined with a nano-epoxy polymer composite and coated onto rexine cloth through drop casting. To assess the X-ray shielding performance, the percentage of attenuation, attenuation coefficient, and half-value layer studies were conducted. Comparative analysis with traditional lead oxide (PbO) aprons revealed that the 3% Mg-doped SnO₂ nanocomposite aprons exhibited superior X-ray attenuation properties. In summary, this study highlights the potential of Mg-doped SnO₂ nanoparticles as an effective, hydrophobic, and lightweight alternative to commercial aprons that are made of toxic, hydrophilic, and heavy lead-based materials.

Graphical abstract