A SYSTEMATIC LITERATURE REVIEW ON FABRICATION TECHNIQUES OF METAL-POLYMER COMPOSITES AS RADIATION SHIELDING MATERIAL

Lead-based materials have long been used for radiation shielding in medical and industrial applications due to their high attenuation capacity. However, their toxicity, heaviness, and handling difficulties raise significant health and environmental concerns. This Systematic Literature Review (SLR) evaluates recent advancements in lead-free metal–polymer composites as safer alternatives for radiation protection. The review followed the PRISMA methodology, analysing studies published between 2019 and 2024 across five databases: Google Scholar, Scopus, PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Web of Science. From 95 initial records, only 13 studies met the inclusion criteria and were thoroughly reviewed. Seven fabrication techniques were identified, such as pencil beam spray coating, layer-by-layer (LBL), hot pressing, electrospinning, 3D printing, mixing and curing, and metal doping, each offering unique advantages in structure and performance. The findings revealed that composites containing high atomic number (Z) fillers such as bismuth (Bi) and tungsten (W) achieved the highest shielding efficiencies, with RPE values exceeding 99% and Zeff up to 83. Techniques such as LBL and doping demonstrated superior attenuation and flexibility, while electrospinning and pencil beam spray coating enabled lightweight shields with up to 45% weight reduction. In contrast, hot pressing and 3D printing produced dense, durable composites ideal for structural shielding, and mixing and curing methods provided sustainable, non-toxic alternatives using materials such as red mud and Bi₂O₃. This review concludes that metal–polymer composites are strong candidates to replace lead in radiation shielding. Nevertheless, further research is needed to assess long-term durability, toxicity, and cost-effectiveness, supporting the advancement of lightweight, flexible, and eco-friendly shielding materials for medical, industrial, and environmental applications.