Researchers at the Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati have created a new radiation-resistant cement mortar aimed at enhancing safety in nuclear facilities by improving the structural integrity and radiation-shielding capabilities of concrete. This innovation incorporates microparticles—boron oxide, lead oxide, bismuth oxide, and tungsten oxide—into conventional cement mortar, enhancing its density, durability, and ability to block harmful radiation. The enhanced mortar significantly reduces radiation penetration, thereby mitigating the risk of leaks in sensitive environments like nuclear reactors.
The study revealed that each microparticle affects the mortar differently: lead oxide increases density and strength, tungsten oxide improves cracking resistance and durability, while boron oxide boosts radiation shielding performance. This development addresses crucial safety concerns demonstrated by past nuclear incidents, emphasizing that the quality of containment materials is vital during extreme events.
Published in the journal Materials and Structures, the research, co-authored by Hrishikesh Sharma and Sanchit Saxena, paves the way for next-generation cement-based materials suited for nuclear power and medical facilities. Future plans involve scaling up the mortar to a full concrete mix design and optimizing microparticle dosage. The team aims to collaborate with nuclear agencies and construction companies to validate the mortar under real-world conditions.