Effect of high temperature on the radiation shielding properties of cementitious composites containing nano- Bi2O3

In this study, the effect of various temperatures at 25, 200, 400, and 600 °C, on the mechanical and gamma ray shielding properties of heavy-weight concrete (HC) with various content of Nano Bismuth Oxide (NB) at levels of 0, 2, 4 and 6% were determined. Evaluation of gamma-ray attenuation was measured three different gamma rays energies at 662, 1173 and 1332 keV from 137Cs and 60Co sources respectively. Linear attenuation coefficient (µ), half-value layer (HVL), tenth value layer (TVL), mean free path (MPF) and absorbent material thickness (X) were evaluated. The results show that the addition of NB particles improves the mechanical and gamma ray shielding properties of the HC at elevated temperatures so that by increasing the temperature from 25 to 600 °C: A, The density, ultrasonic pulse velocity (UPV), µ of HC decrease and HVL, TVL, and MFP of HC increase.