X-Ray Absorption of Soil-Cement Mixture: An Alternative for Lead

Abstract

This study investigated the potential of a soil-cement mixture as a substitute shielding material for X-ray absorption. As concerns about the effects of lead on the environment and human health have increased, it has become needed to find safer and more sustainable alternatives. In this study, particular soil types were combined with cement, and their capacity to attenuate X-rays was assessed. Experimental results showed that the soil-cement combinations provided shielding effectiveness comparable to lead within diagnostic energy ranges. The researchers collected soil samples from La Union, Philippines. Each soil type was mixed with 2:1,1:2, and 1:3, molded into bricks, and cured for seven days. The samples were then exposed to X-rays at 70kvp,200mA, and 4mAs using a calibrated diagnostic X-ray machine. The absorption rates were measured using Fluke Model 451B-BYR Radiation Survey Meter placed behind each sample. The results showed that all soil-cement mixtures significantly absorbed X-ray radiation. Among the samples, the sand-cement mixture exhibited the highest absorption, followed by clay and loam. Despite variations in absorption level, statistical analysis showed no significant difference between the shielding performance of soil-cement mixtures and that of lead, particularly in certain mixture ratios with higher compactness. The study concluded that soil-cement mixtures have the potential to serve as environmentally friendly and effective alternatives to lead. Future researchers should explore variations in mixes, energy-specific shielding effectiveness, and environmental impacts as substitutes for lead. Tests should also be repeated under controlled conditions or with cooled x-ray equipment.