Enhanced gamma-ray attenuation and interfacial chemical bonding in cerium oxide-coated textiles

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Cerium oxide (CeO2)-based materials have recently drawn attention owing to their multifunctional properties; however, their application in textile-based radiation shielding has not been extensively explored. Traditional shielding methods using lead (Pb) pose health and environmental risks, prompting the need for safer and more flexible alternatives to Pb. This study investigated the gamma radiation shielding potential of CeO2-coated textiles as a lead-free solution suitable for wearable protection in healthcare and space applications. Although the antioxidant and reactive oxygen species (ROS)-neutralizing properties of CeO2 are well documented, its combined shielding and health-protective functions in fabric form remain under-investigated. The primary objective was to quantify the radiation attenuation performance of CeO2-coated fabrics and glass substrates using a pigment-coating method and a Co-60 point source with gamma-ray energies of 1173 and 1332 keV, respectively. Experimental parameters such as the mass and linear attenuation coefficients (MAC, LAC), half- and tenth-value layers (HVL, TVL), molecular cross section (σtotal_molecular), atomic cross section (σtotal_atomic), electronic cross section (σtotal electronic), effective atomic number (Zeff), effective electron density (Neff), and effective conductivity (Ceff) were evaluated and compared with the XCOM theoretical models. The results showed that the CeO2 coatings achieved up to 16% gamma attenuation with additional biocompatibility. These findings support the development of non-toxic, wearable shielding materials for environments with chronic radiation exposure. Future research should evaluate the long-term durability, mechanical performance, and extended energy ranges of these devices for broader applications.