title: The diagnostic X-ray protection characteristics of Panelcrete, Aquapanel, Betopan and Gypsoplak Superboard.
abstract: Panelcrete, Aquapanel and Betopan are cement-based building materials with uses similar to those of gypsum wallboard, whose properties as a diagnostic X-ray shielding material have been extensively studied. The X-ray attenuation characteristics of these cement-based boards as well as those of a gypsum wallboard, Gypsoplak Superboard, are investigated for broad beam geometry conditions and for tube potentials of 50 kVp, 70 kVp, 100 kVp, 125 kVp and 140 kVp. Comparisons between these materials as well as with published data for gypsum wallboard are made. An example of their use as secondary barriers is given. Furthermore, it is confirmed that when building materials are considered for diagnostic X-ray shielding, calculations based on data for similar materials and corrected for density differences can be used only as an approximation.
authors.affiliation: Medical Physics Unit, Konstantopoulio-Agia Olga Hospital, 3-5 Agias Olgas, Nea Ionia, 142 33 Athens.
authors.forename: I A
authors.initials: IA
authors.lastname: Tsalafoutas
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Yakoumakis
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Sandilos
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Vlahos
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Proukakis
mesh_terms: D003252:Construction Materials / Q000528:radiation effects*; D004867:Equipment Design; D006801:Humans; D011829:Radiation Dosage; D011835:Radiation Protection / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods; D011859:Radiography