BIO

Full time Biomedical Engineering Student at Florida State University. I am from Buffalo, NY. Currently, I am working on a research project analyzing data on experiments of bismuth oxide to a composite material for the fabrication of a 3D printed glove that shields radiation.

3D Printing of Ceramic Particle-Polymer Composites for Medical Radiation Shielding

Abstract

Currently, lead is used as a radiation shield in the medical field. Lead is a heavy-weight harmful substance that the medical community is trying to astray from. Cardiac Device Implant procedures have been trying to implement a bismuth drape to protect the patients as well as the surgical team. While performing cardiac device implants, fluoroscopy is used. The duration and complexity of this procedure leaves the surgeons at risk of exposure to radiation[1]. Our research is centered around using a 3-D printing technique to create an inorganic radiation-shielding material to replace lead for X-ray protection. Using a 3D printer allows us to produce various viscosities of this material on a smaller scale to determine which biomechanical properties will be best for radiation protection and flexibility of a glove. We specifically use a 3D printer to create ceramic particle-polymer composites using a standard weight of Polystyrene-block-polyisoprene-block-polystyrene (SIS) and various ratios of Bismuth (III) oxide. The purpose of this mixture of SIS and bismuth oxide allows for both material’s properties to be illustrated in the product. We are testing the radioactive efficiency of this polymer material to later produce a lightweight, flexible, and comfortable x-ray protective gloves. Upon the success of this project, the production of this polymer-material will serve as an effective way of preventing radiation exposure.

Keywords: radiation shield, bismuth oxide, 3D