Wollastonite based-Chemically Bonded Phosphate Ceramics with lead oxide contents under gamma irradiation

The shielding properties to gamma rays as well as the effect of lead concentration incorporated into Chemically Bonded Phosphate Ceramics (CBPCs) composites are presented. The Wollastonite-based CBPC was fabricated by mixing a patented aqueous phosphoric acid formulation with Wollastonite powder. CBPC has been proved to be good structural material, with excellent thermal resistant properties, and research already showed their potential for radiation shielding applications. Wollastonite-based CBPC is a composite material itself with several crystalline and amorphous phases. Irradiation experiments were conducted on different Wollastonite-based CBPCs with lead oxide. Radiation shielding potential, attenuation coefficients in a broad range of energies pertinent to engineering applications and density experiments showing the effect of the PbO additions (to improve gamma shielding capabilities) are also presented. Microstructure was identified by using scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction.

► The effect of PbO on the attenuation coefficient of Wollastonite based-CBPCs is presented.
► The effect of PbO on the compressive strength and setting time of Wollastonite based-CBPCs is presented.
► The attenuation coefficient of the CBPC was improved (between 32% to 193.8%) by the addition of Pb.