Komposit Polimer Matriks Tungsten: Tinjauan sebagai Alternatif Timbal untuk Pakaian Pelindung Radiasi Medis

Abstract

ABSTRACT

Exposure to ionizing radiation in medical environments particularly from X-ray equipment and radioisotopes—poses health risks to medical personnel. Lead (Pb)-based protective clothing is effective in blocking radiation but has drawbacks such as excessive weight, toxicity, and environmental impact. Therefore, recent research has focused on developing polymer composites with tungsten (W) matrices as lighter and safer alternatives. Based on a review of various studies employing tungsten fillers (W, WO₃, WC, WC-Co) within polymer matrices such as PVA, PDPE, Epoxy, PC, EVA, and PDMS, an increase in filler content has been proven to enhance shielding performance against X-rays and gamma rays. Simulation results indicate that filler concentration has a greater influence than particle size, although nano-sized particles provide advantages under certain conditions. Tungsten-based composites exhibit lightweight, non-toxic, and flexible characteristics. Innovations such as hybrid structures, nano-additives, and advanced fabrication methods (electrospinning, 3D printing) further strengthen the potential of these materials. Therefore, tungsten-based polymer composites are considered strong candidates to replace lead in medical radiation protective clothing, although optimization of filler dispersion, mechanical properties, and production efficiency is still required.

Keywords: tungsten, polymer composite, radiation shielding, lead alternative

ABSTRAK

Paparan radiasi pengion di lingkungan medis, terutama dari peralatan sinar-X dan radioisotop, menimbulkan risiko kesehatan bagi tenaga medis. Pakaian pelindung berbasis timbal (Pb) efektif dalam menghambat radiasi, namun memiliki kelemahan berupa berat berlebih, toksisitas, dan dampak lingkungan. Oleh karena itu, penelitian terkini berfokus pada pengembangan komposit polimer bermatriks tungsten (W) sebagai alternatif yang lebih ringan dan aman. Berdasarkan tinjauan berbagai studi yang menggunakan pengisi tungsten (W, WO₃, WC, WC-Co) dalam matriks polimer seperti PVA, PDPE, Epoxy, PC, EVA, dan PDMS, peningkatan kandungan pengisi terbukti meningkatkan kemampuan pelindung terhadap sinar-X dan gamma. Hasil simulasi menunjukkan bahwa kadar pengisi lebih berpengaruh dibanding ukuran partikel, meskipun partikel nano memberikan keunggulan pada kondisi tertentu. Komposit tungsten menunjukkan karakteristik ringan, tidak beracun, serta fleksibel. Inovasi seperti struktur hibrida, aditif nano, dan metode fabrikasi modern (elektrospinning, pencetakan 3D) memperkuat potensi material ini. Dengan demikian, komposit polimer bermatriks tungsten dinilai sebagai kandidat kuat pengganti timbal pada pakaian pelindung radiasi medis, meski masih diperlukan optimalisasi dispersi pengisi, peningkatan sifat mekanik, dan efisiensi produksi.

Kata Kunci: tungsten, komposit polimer, pelindung radiasi, alternatif timbal