Radiation attenuation characteristics of meta-schist modified Portland cement: Comparative analysis with traditional cement

Abstract

As the applications of nuclear technology increase in today's world, radiation protection becomes even more crucial. Radiation shielding is significant in various applications, such as nuclear power plants, medical imaging devices, and radiotherapy rooms. This study investigates the production of meta-schist-modified Portland cement (MMPC) to protect against atomic radiation, which poses harmful environmental effects such as gamma rays, in the context of nuclear technology implementation. The samples' mass attenuation coefficient (MAC) is experimentally determined to assess their radiation shielding capabilities. The Meta-schist-modified Portland cement exhibits higher effectiveness in radiation absorption and attenuation than traditional Portland cement(OPC). Radiation shielding tests demonstrate that MMPC is a practical material for controlling radiation due to its high density and appropriate composition. Overall, the cement sample containing meta-schist shows a high potential for radiation protection applications, and the superior properties of MMPC in terms of burnability and mechanical characteristics compared to traditional Portland cement are encouraging for the use of meta-schist in cement production. The analyses of cement and clinker samples were conducted using analytical techniques such as microstructure characterization (POLYZED MICROSCOPE), X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and energy-dispersive X-ray analysis (EDAX). This study highlights meta-schist-modified Portland cement's effective radiation protection potential and demonstrates the significance of advancing safety measures in nuclear technology applications.

Keywords

• Gamma-ray attenuation
• Neutron attenuation
• Meta-schist
• Cement
• Mortar