The diagnostic X-ray protection characteristics of Panelcrete (TM), Aquapanel (TM), Betopan (TM) and Gypsoplak Superboard (TM)

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 attenuat ion characteristics of these cement-based boards as well as those of a gyps um wallboard, Gypsoplak Superboard, are investigated for broad beam geometr y conditions and for tube potentials of 50 kVp, 70 kVp, 100 kVp, 125 kVp an d 140 kVp. Comparisons between these materials as well as with published da ta for gypsum wallboard are made. An example of their use as secondary barr iers is given. Furthermore, it is confirmed that when building materials ar e considered for diagnostic X-ray shielding, calculations based on data for similar materials and corrected for density differences can be used only a s an approximation.