Scientific Quarterly Journal of Iranian Association of Engineering Geology

Scientific Quarterly Journal of Iranian Association of Engineering Geology

The level of protection of concrete containing nano tungsten oxide against gamma radiation

Document Type : Original Article

Authors
1 Faculty of Physics and Nuclear Engineering, Islamic Azad University, Shahrud Branch, Shahrud, Semnan, Iran
2 Associate Professor, Department of Nuclear Engineering, Islamic Azad University, Shahrud Branch, Shahrud, Semnan, Iran
3 Construction & Mining Faculty, Standard Research Institute, Iranian National Standard Organization (INSO)-Karaj- Iran
Abstract
The limitations and disadvantages of current shielding materials (such as the high weight of lead, cracking and porosity of concrete, corrosion and toxicity of metals, and low flexibility of polymers) have led to an increasing interest in nanocomposites for protection against ionizing radiation in industry and medicine. In the meantime, nanocomposites have been introduced as effective and lightweight shields for gamma and neutron rays due to their superior mechanical properties and high efficiency in beam attenuation. Key factors such as natural abundance, simplicity in the nanocomposite fabrication process, high atomic number (High-Z) of the constituent metals (and their effect on photoelectric absorption and pair production mechanisms leading to reduced radiation flux), density, as well as cost-effectiveness play an important role in the selection of shielding materials. Considering these factors, this study evaluates the protective performance of nanoparticle-modified concrete, which was manufactured in the Concrete Reference Laboratory at the Standard Research Institute and reinforced with tungsten oxide (WO₃) nanoparticles and epoxy resin, against gamma radiation emitted from a cobalt-60 source (with energies of 1.17 and 1.33 MeV).. This improvement is due to the effective scattering and absorption of the rays by the high atomic number nanoparticles in the composite matrix. Accordingly, nanostructured shields with an optimal weight percentage and lower thickness can effectively replace thicker conventional concrete shields, which leads to space savings, weight reduction of shielding structures, and increased efficiency in medical and industrial applications.
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Volume 18, Issue 1
Spring 2025
Pages 85-97

  • Receive Date 27 May 2025
  • Revise Date 09 November 2025
  • Accept Date 01 December 2025