Geopolymer materials for antiradiation shielding

• Grant number: 17/08144-2
• Support Opportunities: Research Grants - Innovative Research in Small Business - PIPE
• Start date: December 01, 2017
• End date: August 31, 2018
• Field of knowledge: Engineering - Materials and Metallurgical Engineering - Nonmetallic Materials
• Principal Investigator: Jose Vitorio Emiliano
• Grantee: Jose Vitorio Emiliano
• Company: Tambora Engenharia Ltda
• CNAE: Fabricação de produtos cerâmicos não-refratários não especificados anteriormente ; Serviços de engenharia ; Pesquisa e desenvolvimento experimental em ciências físicas e naturais
• Associated researchers: Fernando Antonio Bacchim Neto ; Márcio Raymundo Morelli
• Associated scholarship(s): 18/02894-2 - Geopolymer materials for Antiradiation shielding, BP.PIPE

Abstract

Portland concrete is the most commonly used structural material in radiation shielding, particularly due to its cementitious matrix satisfactory performance in radiation attenuation at relatively low cost and high availability. Despite the recognized limitations associated with sensitivity to chemical attack, durability, low thermal stability, leachable precipitate generation and low environmental sustainability, this predominance is related to the lack of alternative materials of equivalent or superior performance. In this context, geopolymeric cements and concretes based on metakaolinite and sodium or potassium silicate, materials of recognized chemical, thermal stability, ability to immobilize harmful materials and high mechanical properties, appear as candidate materials to complement the supply of materials suitable for radiological attenuation. According to the technical and scientific literature, the use of this type of geopolymer in anti-radiation protection is an innovation. The main objective of this project is to study technical and scientific feasibility of using geopolymer concretes, which are aligned with the current requirements of sustainability, durability, chemical and mechanical stability throughout the useful life, such as radiation protection in equipment and installations radioactive sources of low, medium and high intensity. The materials to be developed fit as complementary and alternative solutions to Portland concretes currently used in nuclear power generation plants, radioactive waste containment, uranium processing residues and an innovative material with potential for eventual application in Sirius Project, the new Brazilian synchrotron light source, current under construction, with completion scheduled for 2020. It should be noted that until now, geopolymer cements and concretes are not produced and supplied on industrial scale in Brazilian market, which represents a great opportunity to development and supply this growing demand that is not explored by the application of this new class of materials and can also comes even supplying needs of other engineering areas. (AU)