Lightweight CeO2/Waterborne Polyurethane Foam with Micronano Porous Structure for X-ray Shielding and Thermal Insulation

Radiation protection products (RPPs) with safety and comfort are essential for people who are exposed to nuclear radiation. However, achieving a balance between safety and comfort in the existing RPPs is extremely challenging. Here, a waterborne polyurethane (WPU) foam containing CeO2 is proposed to address this challenge. Flower-shaped CeO2 (FCeO2) and spherical CeO2 (SCeO2) are synthesized by adding urea during the hydrothermal reaction. Then, the WPU is foamed with sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS). Finally, CeO2 and WPU are thoroughly amalgamated to yield the CeO2/WPU foam. Compared with SCeO2, FCeO2 forms a micronano porous structure between FCeO2 and WPU, which improves the thermal insulation. Additionally, experiments and simulations have shown that FCeO2 improves the radiation protection performance. Fortunately, FCeO2/WPU foams also provide antimicrobial properties and are lightweight, along with their benefits of radiation protection and insulation.