Sign in Subscribe
Nuclear energy

Nanosilicates Show Promise for Nuclear Radiation Protection

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Scientists at the Atomic Energy Commission of Syria have conducted research into the use of nanosilicates for nuclear radiation protection. The study, published in Applied Radiation and Isotopes, examined the effect of adding different percentages of amorphous nano-silica extracted from wild oat straw to cement mixtures on the diffusion of radon gas. The results showed that the addition of silica improves the resistance of the cement mixture to radon gas diffusion, with the mixture containing 0.75% amorphous silica exhibiting the best resistance and the largest contact angle among the studied mixtures.

Key Takeaways:

  • Researchers at the Atomic Energy Commission of Syria discovered that nanosilicates extracted from wild oat straw can improve the resistance of cement mixtures to radon gas diffusion.
  • The addition of 0.75% amorphous silica resulted in a 17% improvement in the mixture's resistance to radon gas penetration.
  • The study found a correlation between the addition of silica and a decrease in surface wettability.
  • The use of nanosilicates for nuclear radiation protection is a promising area of research.
  • The study was peer-reviewed and published in Applied Radiation and Isotopes.

Statistics:

  • The mixture containing 0.75% amorphous silica showed the best resistance to radon gas penetration, with a 17% improvement compared to other mixtures.
  • The study was conducted at the Atomic Energy Commission of Syria, with authors M. Naddaf, R. Shweikani, and N. Stas.
  • The research was published in Applied Radiation and Isotopes, Volume 225, 2025, with the article titled "Influence of nano-silica on radon gas diffusion through cement mixture: Correlation with wettability".
  • The study examined the effect of different percentages of amorphous silica on radon gas diffusion, with percentages ranging from 0% to 1.5%.

Sources:

  • "Influence of nano-silica on radon gas diffusion through cement mixture: Correlation with wettability". Applied Radiation and Isotopes, 2025;225:112078.

Read more