Density uniformity and determination of mass attenuation coefficient of binderless Rhizophora spp. particleboard fabricated at different particle sizes using CT imaging system

Abstract

Plug density phantoms were constructed using Rhizophora spp. particleboards at different particle sizes (Sample A: ≤ 50 µm, B: 50 - 104 µm and C: 104-210 μm) in accordance to CT density phantom model CIRS 062M. The Rhizophora spp. plug phantoms were scanned along with the CT density phantom using Siemens Somatom Definition AS CT scanner at three CT energies of 80, 120 and 140 kVp. The CT numbers of the plug phantoms were obtained and the mass attenuation coefficient of the plug phantoms were measured based on the CT number. The values were compared to water substitute plug phantom from the CT density phantom. Plug density phantom with smaller particle size gave the nearest value of CT number to water substitute at all CT energies with total x2 value of 0.037 as well as its mass attenuation coefficient. Plug phantom with larger particle size having better density uniformity based on the standard deviation (SD) of CT numbers at all CT energies. This study indicated the suitability of particleboard with smaller particle size at phantom material for CT imaging and diagnostic energy range.