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| The material created by UrFU specialists is made from natural clay and recycled glass waste. Photo Credit: Anna Marinovich |
Scientists at Ural Federal University, in collaboration with colleagues from Iraq and Saudi Arabia, have developed a durable, inexpensive, and environmentally friendly ceramic material that protects against radiation. The new material is made from natural clay and recycled glass waste.
Researchers believe this ceramic can be used in radiation-hazardous facilities, X-ray rooms, and laboratories to protect medical, scientific, and industrial personnel. The results of the study were published in the Journal of Science: Advanced Materials and Devices.
“We mixed clay imported from Iraq with glass production waste and a small amount of boric acid. This allowed us to create durable and inexpensive ceramics that effectively protect against gamma radiation. The addition of glass increases the strength of the tile. This method allows for the disposal of glass waste in building materials, including it, which is particularly important for the construction of radiation-hazardous facilities and X-ray rooms where the use of lead is undesirable,” said Karem Makhmud, Head Specialist of the Department of Nuclear Power Plants and Renewable Energy Sources.
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| Photo Credit: Anna Marinovich |
Radioactive radiation is divided into three main types: Alpha particles - a sheet of paper is enough to protect against them; Beta radiation - can be shielded by light metals or organic glass; Gamma radiation requires high-density materials such as lead or tungsten to shield. However, tungsten is expensive and lead is toxic.
“Currently, gamma radiation is attenuated or absorbed by lead, concrete, lead oxide, tungsten, or tin-based materials. These materials are not always suitable as protection against gamma radiation since they can be expensive, heavy, and toxic to humans and the environment. Therefore, finding new materials and optimizing their composition is crucial,” stressed Oleg Tashlykov, Full Professor of the Department of Nuclear Power Plants and Renewable Energy Sources.
In new ceramics, raw materials are widely available, and the manufacturing technology is simple. Ceramics are especially preferred in cases where lead is undesirable or when moderate shielding, mechanical strength and environmental friendliness are important.
UrFU scientists have been developing innovative materials capable of protecting against radioactive radiation with various penetrating properties for several years. The research is conducted in close collaboration with colleagues from different countries, including Egypt, Jordan, Vietnam and others. As part of their joint work, researchers from these countries regularly bring natural minerals to Ekaterinburg.
Currently, the team is focused on optimizing the ceramic composition for specific applications and testing the materials under different conditions to prepare them for practical use.
Reference: The research team included specialists from UrFU, the Center for Research and Engineering Development of the Ministry of Water Resources (Baghdad), and the College of Sciences and Medical College at the Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University in Riyadh.
Authors: H.M. Alsafi, Mohammad W. Marashdeh, O.L. Tashlykov, Kholoud J. Sandougah, and K.A. Mahmoud
Source/Credit: Ural Federal University | Anastasia Pyankova
Reference Number: ms110725_01
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