Researchers at the Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati have developed a cement mortar that blocks radiation and resists structural damage, targeting use in nuclear power plants and medical radiation facilities.
The team modified standard cement mortar by adding four microparticles — boron oxide, lead oxide, bismuth oxide, and tungsten oxide — in small quantities. Each microparticle addressed a different property. Lead oxide increased density and strength. Tungsten oxide raised cracking resistance and blocked multiple radiation types. Boron oxide improved protection against radiation penetration.
The researchers tested the mortar’s performance after 28 days, measuring compressive strength and its ability to shield against gamma rays and neutrons simultaneously.
Associate Professor Hrishikesh Sharma of IIT Guwahati’s Civil Engineering department led the research alongside scholar Sanchit Saxena and Dr. Suman Kumar of CSIR-Central Building Research Institute, Roorkee. The journal Materials and Structures published their findings.
The team now plans to scale the mortar into a full concrete mix and conduct structural-level testing on reinforced elements. They are seeking collaborations with nuclear energy agencies and construction manufacturers for pilot-scale trials.
The research remains at laboratory stage and requires further validation before commercial application.
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