Researchers discover that volcanic ash from Taal can be used as radiation protection

A team of researchers from the Ateneo de Manila University and the Mall of Asia Campus of the National University has found a use for Taal volcanic ash : protection against ionizing radiation . This discovery could become an alternative to lead and concrete, used in medical and industrial facilities to block radiation.

Taal Volcanic Ash: An Abundant and Effective Material

The 2020 eruption of Taal Volcano generated a large amount of volcanic ash, which posed a major problem for its disposal. Instead of treating it as waste, researchers Floyd Rey P. Plando, Myris V. Supnad, and Joel T. Maquiling decided to analyze its composition and evaluate its potential in construction applications . The studies revealed that Taal Volcanic Ash ( TVA ) contains iron-rich minerals, which gives it a high radiation attenuation capacity.

Iron has a higher interaction power because it contains more electrons. It is also a dense metal due to its heavy and compact structure. Denser materials with a higher number of electrons, such as TVA, are more efficient at blocking dangerous X-rays and gamma rays.

Plando explained.

Geopolymer mortar made from TVA could be used in the construction of hospitals, industrial plants and nuclear facilities, where radiation protection is essential. In addition, by using this material in the construction industry, the dependence on expensive and potentially polluting materials such as lead would be reduced.

The optimal combination of volcanic ash and aggregates results in effective attenuation of photons (radiation) due to the resulting disorder (entropy) in the microstructures of the granular matter.

Maquiling stated.

This discovery demonstrates that byproducts of natural events can be turned into innovative solutions with practical applications and environmental benefits, turning a problem into an opportunity for science and engineering.

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Source and photos: Ateneo de Manila University