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Journals / Gazi University Journal of Science Part A: Engineering and Innovation / 2026 / Volume: 13 Issue: 2

Investigation of Microscructure Properties and Radiation Shielding Performance of Cement Mortar with Different SiC Reinforcement Ratios

Merve Öztürk(GAZİ ÜNİVERSİTESİ, FEN FAKÜLTESİ, FİZİK BÖLÜMÜ)0009-0000-7665-2425
Esra Uyar(GAZİ ÜNİVERSİTESİ, FEN FAKÜLTESİ, FİZİK BÖLÜMÜ, NÜKLEER FİZİK ANABİLİM DALI)0000-0001-7585-9635
Muharrem Pul(KIRIKKALE ÜNİVERSİTESİ, KIRIKKALE MESLEK YÜKSEKOKULU)0000-0002-0629-3516
Ahmet Filazi(KIRIKKALE ÜNİVERSİTESİ, KIRIKKALE MESLEK YÜKSEKOKULU)0000-0002-5190-0741
Pages
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Publication Date
2026-06-30
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AI Summary & Key Takeaways

AI Insight
⚡ TL;DR(Too Long; Didn't Read)

The results show that the incorporation of SiC improves the gamma radiation attenuation ability of concrete.

📌 3 Key Takeaways

🎯
Objective & Hypothesis:Gamma rays can originate from natural processes such as the decay of naturally occurring radionuclides in the Earth's crust and cosmic radiation, as well as from artificial sources such as radiopharmaceuticals used in nuclear medicine and fission reactions occurring in nuclear reactors.
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Key Findings & Data:The linear attenuation coefficient and the radiation shielding efficiency, representing the shielding performance, were calculated.
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Conclusion & Impact:The results show that the incorporation of SiC improves the gamma radiation attenuation ability of concrete.
🔬Design:Research Article
📍Scope:Comprehensive Sample
⚙️Variables:SiC Reinforced Concrete · Gamma Radiation · Radiation Shielding

Abstract

Gamma rays can originate from natural processes such as the decay of naturally occurring radionuclides in the Earth's crust and cosmic radiation, as well as from artificial sources such as radiopharmaceuticals used in nuclear medicine and fission reactions occurring in nuclear reactors. They are widely used in medical and industrial applications. Despite their ionizing nature, gamma-rays are used in disease diagnosis and treatment, device calibration, and similar applications. However, due to their ionizing properties, gamma-rays can transfer their energy to living tissues, causing cellular damage and leading to health problems such as genetic mutations, cancer, infertility, and congenital abnormalities. One of the most important methods for protection against the harmful effects of gamma radiation is shielding. Lead is the most commonly used shielding material against ionizing radiation; however, its high density and heavy weight have motivated the search for alternative materials with improved properties. In this context, the present study proposes a new, improved shielding material. This study investigates the effectiveness of silicon carbide (SiC) ceramics, added to cement mortar at different proportions, as an alternative gamma radiation shielding material. Concrete samples were prepared with a constant water-cement ratio, while SiC was added to the cement mortar as a substitute for aggregate at specified ratios and quantities. Gamma radiation attenuation measurements were performed using point gamma sources and a high-purity germanium (HPGe) detector. The linear attenuation coefficient and the radiation shielding efficiency, representing the shielding performance, were calculated. The results show that the incorporation of SiC improves the gamma radiation attenuation ability of concrete.

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Cite This Article

Öztürk, M., Uyar, E., Pul, M., Filazi, A. (2026). Investigation of Microscructure Properties and Radiation Shielding Performance of Cement Mortar with Different SiC Reinforcement Ratios. Gazi University Journal of Science Part A: Engineering and Innovation, Volume: 13 Issue: 2. https://doi.org/10.54287/gujsa.1898889

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