The research involved adding four types of micro-particles—boron oxide, lead oxide, bismuth oxide, and tungsten oxide—in specific proportions to traditional cement mortar, enhancing its shielding capability against neutrons and gamma rays while maintaining its structural function. Experimental results show that after 28 days of curing, this specially formulated cement mortar with the added micro-particles significantly improved the material's resistance to high temperatures, stress, and radiation. It can maintain excellent structural integrity under extreme mechanical and radiation loads, providing a new solution for building materials in nuclear power plants and other nuclear facilities.
Professor Hrishikesh Sharma from the Department of Civil Engineering emphasized that the safety of nuclear facilities largely depends on the performance of radiation suppression materials under harsh environments. This technology aims to create safer and more resilient nuclear infrastructure to alleviate concerns about potential radiation leaks. The team plans to further scale up their research in the future, conducting tests on complete concrete mixtures and reinforced concrete structures, and optimizing the proportion of micro-particle additives to achieve higher mechanical strength, construction performance, and durability. The goal is to develop next-generation cement-based materials that can reliably withstand mixed radiation fields. Simultaneously, the team is seeking collaboration with nuclear agencies and building material enterprises to promote the commercialization of this achievement.
