Effect of aggregate type on the radiation shielding properties of cement based composites

In this study, mortar samples were produced by using different aggregates to protect against the harmful effects of radiation, and then radiation retention properties of mortar samples were examined. In the study, 0-4 mm barite (B), magnetite (M), limonite (L), hematite (H), vermiculite (V), silica fume (SD) and iron powder (DT) were used as aggregates. For each of these 7 different material groups, 4 cubic samples of 100*100*100 mm and 6 prismatic samples of 40*40*160 mm were produced. The produced samples were cured for 28 days under standard conditions. Cube samples were cut in 1-2-3 cm thickness for radiation experiments. The X-ray, gamma (γ) and neutron radiation retention properties of plates obtained from the cut samples were investigated. The mass attenuation coefficients obtained from radiation experiments were compared with the theoretical mass attenuation coefficients obtained using the WinXCOM program and then equivalent lead thicknesses were calculated. In addition, dry unit weight, porosity, water absorption and ultrasound transition tests were conducted to determine physical properties on prismatic samples. In order to determine the mechanical properties, bending strength and compressive strength tests were carried out. According to the results obtained, it was observed that there was a relationship between the radiation retention feature and the density of the materials. According to this relationship, it has been determined that the radiation retention feature increases as the density of the materials used increases. According to the results of the experiment, it was concluded that the X-ray and gamma (γ) ray radiation retention feature of the samples produced using barite and magnetite are better than other materials. In addition, it has been observed that samples produced using hematite and magnetite are better at absorbing thermal neutrons.