Knowledge Agora



Scientific Article details

Title Valorisation of baryte tailings for radiation shielding in plastics and nuclear waste disposal
ID_Doc 25233
Authors Kinnunen, P; Pelto, J; Viitanen, P; Olin, M; Nieminen, M
Title Valorisation of baryte tailings for radiation shielding in plastics and nuclear waste disposal
Year 2024
Published Heliyon, 10, 3
DOI 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e25719
Abstract Baryte (BaSO4) is a critical raw material with no functional recycling since the used applications are dissipative. Significant quantities of baryte end up in tailings as a side stream from the mining industry. Baryte from a secondary raw material source was used as a filler in plastics for low duty radiation shielding and as an aggregate in radiation shielding geopolymers needed for safely storing low-radioactive waste ash. Mechanical strength in geopolymers remained at a high level with 0-50 % baryte additions. Low-cost plastic composites with baryte additions showed promising attenuation for X-rays and gamma-rays. The results showed improved qualities in the direct use of the secondary baryte material in concrete and plastics in comparison to primary baryte. Baryte from an industrial waste stream was shown to be applicable to be used in radiation shielding in geopolymers for storing low-radioactive waste, and in plastics. Primary baryte can be replaced with secondary baryte to bring environmental, economic, and even functional benefits.
Author Keywords Waste valorisation; Baryte; Tailings; Circular economy; Secondary material; Radiation shielding
Index Keywords Index Keywords
Document Type Other
Open Access Open Access
Source Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED)
EID WOS:001181773900001
WoS Category Multidisciplinary Sciences
Research Area Science & Technology - Other Topics
PDF http://www.cell.com/article/S240584402401750X/pdf
Similar atricles
Scroll