# Electromagnetic Radiation Shielding Using Carbon Nanotube and Nanoparticle Composites
## 5 Potential Applications and Associated Challenges of Shielding Materials  
### Applications  
The potential applications of CNT-based fabrics span across numerous fields, including medical diagnostic imaging, radiation therapy, aerospace, the nuclear industry, and military sectors, highlighting their versatility and effectiveness in radiation shielding. Therefore, CNT materials should be considered when designing different types of radiation-shielding materials. Ongoing research is anticipated to expand the applications and efficiency of CNT-based fabrics in radiation shielding. [PERSON] et al. [50] demonstrated the potential of CNT films for gamma-ray shielding, outperforming certain common metals under specific conditions. [PERSON] et al. [51] enhanced our understanding of the radiation response of CNT-based electronics, highlighting their potential for space applications and high-radiation environments. [PERSON] et al. [52] found a clear correlation between increased MWCNT loading and improved gamma-radiation-shielding effectiveness in natural rubber latex (NRL) composites. Beyond gamma-ray shielding, [PERSON] et al. [54] showed that PP/MWCNT composites effectively block electromagnetic radiation (EMR). [PERSON] et al. [55] synthesized a ferrite-decorated CNT film that further improved shielding properties. [PERSON] et al. [53] explored high-loading CNT/PAH nanocomposite coatings for effective EMI shielding on fabric substrates, retaining desirable fabric properties and suggesting applications in industries requiring flexible and lightweight EMI-shielding solutions. [PERSON] et al. [56] demonstrated that polymer/MWCNT composite thin films offer high thermal conductivity and prominent EMI shielding, advancing material design for industries with combined thermal management and electromagnetic compatibility needs. Other studies not included in this paper have also demonstrated the tailoring of CNT based shielding materials for various applications. Hence, the importance of CNT films and additives in need-based and tailored shielding applications is well established. Attenuating radiation exposure is crucial for astronauts, pilots, flight attendants, and scientists working with high-frequency radiation. Protective clothing made from CNT-infused fabrics could provide significant benefits, particularly for vulnerable populations such as the fetus. Additionally, shielding buildings from nuclear electromagnetic pulses could be achieved using CNT hybrid lightweight fabrics. General application areas for CNT-based hybrid materials include medical X-ray shielding, aerospace shielding, the nuclear industry, military applications, laboratory research settings, medical imaging and radiotherapy, and wearable electronics [76; 77; 78; 79]. Radiation shielding for wearable electronics, medical X-rays, and concrete for construction materials is described in [80; 81; 82; 83]. Medical X-ray Shielding and Imaging: Potential applications of CNT-based fabrics for X-ray shielding include the development of lightweight, flexible, and lead-free X-ray protective clothing for healthcare workers, the fabrication of CNT-based fabrics for use in X-ray room shielding, such as curtains, screens, or wall coverings, and the creation of patient shielding devices, such as thyroid collars or gonadal shields, using CNT-based fabrics. Lightweight materials are of special interest to avoid fatigue and excessive muscle strain on physicians during lengthy fluoroscopic procedures. CNT-based fabrics are being developed for multiple applications in medical imaging to reduce unnecessary radiation exposure to attending staff and patients. These innovative materials are used to create shielding garments for patients undergoing CT scans or PET imaging, significantly reducing their exposure to radiation. Additionally, CNT-based fabrics can shield X-ray detectors and gamma cameras. In medical imaging like CT scans, Compton scattering can contribute to image noise due to scattered photons reaching the detector.