LAUSR

Abstract There is strong clinical need for a class of materials compatible with all common medical imaging modalities including Magnetic Resonance Imaging and X-Ray Computed Tomography which provide minimum attenuation to high intensity X-Ray photons used in Radiotherapy treatment, to improve patient outcomes and recovery times. In this work, we present a new natural fibre composite comprising wood pulp derived fibres embedded in polyester resin and bonded to expanded polystyrene cores. The resulting structure is demonstrated to have low visibility on Magnetic Resonance Imaging, X-Ray megavoltage imaging and Computed Tomography and to be less attenuating to radiotherapy photons than the commonly used carbon fibre or glass fibre reinforced composite materials. It is anticipated that this new material will facilitate improved radiotherapy planning and thus treatment outcomes.