Building construction materials for ionizing radiation shielding: a systematic literature review

Abstract

Ionizing radiation, commonly employed in hospital environments, is characterized by its capability to displace electrons from atoms, potentially posing risks to human health. To mitigate potential harm, protective materials have been developed to serve as radiation absorbers. Typically, materials such as lead, iron, and concrete have been conventionally used for this purpose. However, the widespread adoption of new, environmentally-friendly shielding materials has yet to become a reality. In this context, this study conducted a systematic review of both national and international literature to identify emerging materials suitable for protective barriers, with a focus on publications from 2019 to 2023. The ProKnow-C methodology was employed to assemble the Total Bibliographic Portfolio, which encompassed a total of 11 scientific articles during this phase. The research findings indicated that the majority of authors integrate computer simulations with practical experiments to assess material effectiveness. Barium sulfate emerged as the preferred chemical element among most researchers. In lesser proportions, magnetite and bismuth were also utilized, alongside polymers and select metal alloys. As supplementary cementitious materials, fly ash and silica fume were the most frequently encountered. Notably, lead was conspicuously absent in the research, reflecting authors' environmental concerns.