Multifunctional Infrastructure Nanocomposites Engineered for Nuclear Radiation Shielding

This study investigates the development of multifunctional structural nanocomposites designed for nuclear radiation shielding, with a core focus on enhanced neutron attenuation and improved mechanical performance. Three distinct types of titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanostructures were incorporated: nanoparticles, nanotubes, and silica/alumina dual-layer nanocoating encapsulating nanoparticles. The influences of both nanocoating and nanostructure formation on neutron absorption and mechanical properties were explored experimentally.A nuclear reactor with camera detector was used to evaluate the radiation absorption of the engineered nanocomposites. The samples were characterized in terms of shielding attenuation, compressive strength, and microstructural morphology. The results demonstrated that boric acid reduced early-age strength; however, the addition of nanometals mitigated this challenge and improved mechanical performance. Scanning electron microscopy analysis revealed significant matrix densification and crack-bridging effects induced by the nanoparticles. Although boron enhances neutron capturing, it compromises the compressive strength of the mix designs.The introduced nanomaterials on the other hand, offer a synergistic approach through enhancing structural performance, increasing matrix compactness, and enhancing neutron absorption. The incorporation of TiO2 nanostructures improved neutron radiation shielding, yielding a notable increase in attenuation coefficient of up to 12.2%, along with compressive strength improvements of up to 31-fold. Furthermore, microstructural analysis revealed that nanoparticles fostered a significantly denser matrix, promoting enhanced particle packing and accelerated hydration, consequently leading to higher compressive strength. In contrast, nanotubes exhibited less uniform densification, and nanocoated-particles displayed minimal interwoven hydration products due to coating interference.Thus, the designed nanocomposites are critical for effective radiation shielding alongside mechanical properties. These findings collectively establish a robust scientific framework for advancing hybrid nanocomposites for demanding intensive radiation environments such as nuclear infrastructure and medical radiation rooms.