Researchers at the University of Waterloo have developed a light, flexible polymer shield that offers radiation protection comparable to lead, used in X-ray aprons, but weighs almost 90% less. This innovation aims to alleviate health risks such as back and neck pain for technicians who regularly wear heavy lead aprons. The new material utilizes tungsten nanoparticles embedded in a silicone-based plastic, allowing for effective radiation blocking without toxic exposure associated with lead. The research indicates potential applications beyond X-rays, including protection against gamma rays and electromagnetic radiation from devices like cellphones. The findings were published in the journal Materials Today Physics.
Mon, 08 Jun 2026 22:17:59 GMT | University of Waterloo