Volcanic ash for radiation shielding
The natural presence of iron-rich minerals in volcanic ash gives it strong radiation attenuation properties.
This is according to researchers from the Ateneo de Manila University and National University in the Philippines.
They have tested the physical and chemical properties of volcanic-ash-based geopolymer mortar derived from the 2020 eruption of the country’s Taal Volcano.
High-electron and denser material, like volcanic ash, has stronger efficiency in blocking hazardous X-rays and gamma rays, researchers claim.
Further, they claim the blend of volcanic ash and aggregates results in effective photon attenuation because of the entropy in granular matter microstructures.
