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MATERIALS

Compounds that incorporate ceramic, metal oxide, tungsten, or mineral fillers are combined with thermoplastic resins to produce injection-moulded radiopaque components.

As environmental and health concerns become more important, waste treatment and handling of heavy metals becomes more complex. Among these heavy metals, lead stands out because of its toxicity. However, its physical properties and workability make lead suitable for use in x-ray and gamma shielding applications. Lead is also used to make containers that protect contents from radiation exposure in healthcare settings.

In studying lead’s shielding properties, one company has discovered that less-harmful materials exhibit similar traits. As a result, Lati Industria Termoplastici S.p.A. (Vedano Olona, VA, Italy) has developed radiopaque thermoplastic compounds that provide shielding benefits. The company offers its Latigray compounds for use in injection moulding processes.

The compounds incorporate ceramic, metal oxide, and mineral fillers. Ecoefficient metals, such as tungsten, are also used. The fillers are combined with thermoplastic resins, such as polypropylene, polyamide, polyphenylene sulphide, and PEEK. Shielding features can be optimized based on the type and quantity of filler material used.

Latigray compounds filled with tungsten produce shielding effects similar to components made with lead, according to the firm. The compounds are sufficiently malleable to be used with complex mould geometries.

Current applications for the Latigray product line include dental instruments and products that need to remain visible when exposed to ionizing radiation by means of fluoroscopic or x-ray equipment.