Virgin and waste polymer incorporated concrete mixes for enhanced neutron radiation shielding characteristics

Abstract

Several attempts have been made in the past to develop newer concrete mixes with enhanced neutron radiation shielding characteristics. The composition of the concrete mixes becomes very important in this context, and it is extensively reported that the hydrogen content in the hydrated concrete mixes is one of the important constituents determining the neutron radiation shielding capabilities of the mixes. It is professed that higher the hydrogen content, better is the neutron radiation shielding. The use of different types of hydrogen sources in the past such as hydrogenous mineral aggregates and liquid polymers, and polymer impregnation, has been discussed. The feasibility issues and concerns while using virgin and waste pulverized high-density polyethylene (HDPE) polymeric materials as partial replacement to fine aggregates for making concrete mixes with enhanced neutron radiation shielding characteristics have been discussed. The fresh and hardened properties of these mixes and hydrogen loading and its effect on neutron radiation shielding have been discussed. © 2019 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.