Concrete Solutions for Nuclear Reactors
Understanding Radiation's Impact on Nuclear Reactor Concrete
Radiation is defined as a radiation of energy that ionizies its surroundings. This kind of radiation can be damaging because due to the nature of ionizing radiation. This kind of radiaiton impacts molecules and breaks them down, leading to a degredation of the material as it is exposed to the radiation. This problem is especially relavent to nuclear reactors, where large amounts of ionizing radiation is created in the proccess of generating power.
Research Reveals Details of Concrete Degradation and Self-Healing Properties
It's been known for some time that radiation impacts the structural integrity of concrete. However, until now the details of this were unknown. Researchers, including those from the University of Tokyo, can finally demonstrate what properties of concrete affect its structural characteristics under different neutron radiation loads. Their findings raise some concerns whilst reducing others; for example, quartz crystals in concrete can heal themselves, potentially allowing some reactors to run for longer than initially thought possible.
Improving Nuclear Power Safety and Longevity Through Material Science
Some high-profile incidents involving nuclear power stations naturally raise fear in people. But many believe nuclear power to be one of the cornerstones for achieving a carbon-neutral world. This places an emphasis on finding ways to improve safety, reliability, cost-effectiveness and other things, to reduce fears and increase receptiveness to this technology. One aspect of nuclear power stations that relates to safety and also longevity lies in the materials used in their construction; in particular, the concrete used throughout the buildings. It's known to be a very robust material and has been studied for a long time to better understand its material characteristics. But only now have researchers been able to explore in detail the way that neutron radiation from nuclear reactors can impact concrete's longevity.
New Solutions for Radiation-Resistant Concrete in Nuclear Reactors
Some simple solutions have been thrown around such as impregnating the concrete with lead to make it more radiation resistant. Others included shielding the concrete directly with steel or lead lined shields. However, these solutions tend to be costly, so scientists have devised new solutions. Quartz crystals have the ability to "heal" themselves from radiation damage, so sand, which is close to quartz, is used in new concrete blends in plentiful amounts to aid in the resistance of radation damage. Other solutions have been even more simple such as simply just making the concrete more denser which means there is more material for the radiation to damage before the structural integrity of the conrete is altered significantly. This also has the bonus of acting as a radiation shield for personel working at the reactor. As developments in nuclear standards continue, we can expect to see safety improvements in all future nuclear power stations, and see them last longer.