Barium sulfate radiopaque

Radiopaque materials are used to determine the location of aspirated dentures and fragments (205,206). Opacifying additives include barium sulfate, barium fluoride, barium or bismuth glasses, and brominated organic monomers and polymers. The incorporation of these additives into the resin base or tooth can adversely affect physical properties. Radiopaque materials meeting the requirement for ANSI/ADA specifications for denture-base polymer have been described (207). 

Barium sulfate is a radiopaque or contrast agent that blocks the transmission X-rays to help physicians see any special conditions that may exist in an organ or that part of the body where the contrast agent is localized. The areas in which radiopaque agents are located will appear white on X-ray film, creating the needed distinction, or contrast, between one organ and other tissues. How can the toxicity of the barium ion be controlled to provide this necessary radiopaque function ... 

Barium is also notable for the very low solubility of the sulfate. Barium compounds give a characteristic green color to flames, a phenomenon that is used in qualitative analysis. Barium salts are all highly toxic with the exception of the most insoluble materials. Barium sulfate is used as a radiopaque material in making x-ray photographs of the gastric and intestinal tract. 

It has been clearly shown that radiopaque materials are needed (16,17) for visualization of aspirated or swallowed dentin-e fragments. This is accomplished with additives such as barium sulfate, barium fluoride, bariiun or bismuth glasses, and halogenated organic compounds. The physical properties of the materials are significantly affected by large quantities of these additives. ANSI/ADA specifications or requirements for radiopaque materials for dentin-e-based polymers have been described (18). 

Usually Poly (virtyl chloride) (PVC), Poly (Ether Block Amide) (PEBA), Thermoplastic Elastomers (TPE), fluoro-polymers, nylons, etc. are nsed as catheter materials. Barium sulfate, bismuth compounds, temgsten contributes upto 90% of used radiopaque additives [1,2]. 

---