Prompt gamma ray activation analysis for determining chemical composition of 3D printing and casting materials used in biomedical applications

Three-dimensional printing and casting materials were analyzed by prompt gamma-ray activation analysis (PGAA) to determine their suitability as human tissue surrogates for the fabrication of phantoms for medical imaging and radiation dosimetry applications. Measured elemental compositions and densities of five surrogate materials simulating soft tissue and bone were used to determine radiological properties (x-ray mass attenuation coefficient and electron stopping power). When compared with radiological properties of International Commission on Radiation Units and Measurements (ICRU) materials, it was determined that urethane rubber and PLA plastic yielded the best match for soft tissue, while silicone rubber and urethane resin best simulated the properties of bone.