Scientists have developed a radiation resistant mortar that can block gamma rays and neutrons arising from nuclear facilities.
Scientists at the Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati have developed a method to develop a stronger, durable mortar that can block harmful radiation at nuclear facilities . The mortar made by mixing various microparticles serves as both a structural component and a radiation shielding barrier.
The demand for non-carbon-emitting energy sources has brought the advantages of nuclear energy back into focus. Unlike solar and wind power plants, fission power plants can be switched on demand and provide abundant energy at low prices. While they do not emit carbon, they do produce radioactive waste. However, newer nuclear technologies, such as small modular reactors and microreactors, are exploring the use of spent fuel to power their operations. Yet, concerns about the safety of nuclear power plants still remain. While accidents involving them have been rare, they are momentous events that significantly impact how nuclear energy is perceived by the general public. Making a radiation-shielding mortar could help allay fears of leaks from a nuclear facility. Radiation-resistant mortarCement mortar is a key ingredient in all major structures built these days. So, instead of looking for new materials to enhance safety in nuclear plants, a research team led by Hrishikesh Sharma, a professor in the Department of Civil Engineering at IIT Guwahati, decided to improve its strength and radiation shielding capacity. To do this, the researchers combined the mortar with four types of microparticles, namely, Boron oxide, Lead oxide, Bismuth oxide, and Tungsten oxide. The team added these microparticles in small amounts to test their effect on the mortar’s comprehensive strength after 28 days. Additionally, they also studied the ability of each microparticle to block radiation fields containing gamma rays and neutrons. The researchers found that the impact of each microparticle was different in the mortar. How does this help? By improving concrete’s resistance to heat, loads, and radiation, the researchers hope to build safer, more resilient nuclear facilities. This includes not only nuclear power plants but also SMRs, microreactors, and medical radiation facilities. “The safety of nuclear infrastructure critically depends on the performance of containment materials under extreme mechanical and radiation environments,” explained Sharma in a press release. “Through this research, we have demonstrated that carefully engineered microparticle-modified cement mortar can significantly enhance both structural integrity and radiation shielding capacity.”The researchers’ next plan is to scale up the developed cement mortar to full concrete mix design and then conduct structural-level testing of the reinforced concrete in the near future. Additionally, the researchers are working to optimize the microparticle dosage to achieve greater mechanical strength, workability, and durability while retaining the mortar’s radiation shielding performance. “Our final goal is to develop next-generation cement-based materials that not only withstand harsh service conditions but also provide reliable protection against mixed radiation fields,” added Sharma in the press release. The researchers are seeking collaborators from nuclear energy agencies, construction material manufacturers, and companies involved in nuclear facility development to advance their research toward commercial deployment.
Clean Energy Concrete Inventions And Machines Nuclear Energy Nuclear Facilities
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