Investigation of Microscructure Properties and Radiation Shielding Performance of Cement Mortar with Different SiC Reinforcement Ratios

Merve Öztürk; Esra Uyar; Muharrem Pul; Ahmet Filazi

doi:10.54287/gujsa.1898889

Investigation of Microscructure Properties and Radiation Shielding Performance of Cement Mortar with Different SiC Reinforcement Ratios

Abstract

Gamma rays can originate from natural processes such as the decay of naturally occurring radionuclides in the Earth's crust and cosmic radiation, as well as from artificial sources such as radiopharmaceuticals used in nuclear medicine and fission reactions occurring in nuclear reactors. They are widely used in medical and industrial applications. Despite their ionizing nature, gamma-rays are used in disease diagnosis and treatment, device calibration, and similar applications. However, due to their ionizing properties, gamma-rays can transfer their energy to living tissues, causing cellular damage and leading to health problems such as genetic mutations, cancer, infertility, and congenital abnormalities. One of the most important methods for protection against the harmful effects of gamma radiation is shielding. Lead is the most commonly used shielding material against ionizing radiation; however, its high density and heavy weight have motivated the search for alternative materials with improved properties. In this context, the present study proposes a new, improved shielding material. This study investigates the effectiveness of silicon carbide (SiC) ceramics, added to cement mortar at different proportions, as an alternative gamma radiation shielding material. Concrete samples were prepared with a constant water-cement ratio, while SiC was added to the cement mortar as a substitute for aggregate at specified ratios and quantities. Gamma radiation attenuation measurements were performed using point gamma sources and a high-purity germanium (HPGe) detector. The linear attenuation coefficient and the radiation shielding efficiency, representing the shielding performance, were calculated. The results show that the incorporation of SiC improves the gamma radiation attenuation ability of concrete.

Keywords

Project Number

1919B012428258 ve 1919B022507572.

Thanks

This study was supported by the Scientific and Technological Research Council of Türkiye (TÜBİTAK) under the 2209-A Research Project Support Programme for Undergraduate Students (Project No. 1919B012428258) and the 2224-B Support Program for Participation in Scientific Events (Project No. 1919B022507572). The authors also acknowledge GÜTMAM for providing laboratory facilities and technical support during the experimental studies. The authors would like to thank their academic advisor for valuable guidance and constructive discussions throughout this work.

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Details

Primary Language

English

Subjects

Material Characterization, Nuclear Technology, Radiation Technology

Journal Section

Research Article

Authors

Merve Öztürk ^*
0009-0000-7665-2425
Türkiye

Esra Uyar
0000-0001-7585-9635
Türkiye

Muharrem Pul
0000-0002-0629-3516
Türkiye

Ahmet Filazi
0000-0002-5190-0741
Türkiye

Publication Date

June 30, 2026

Submission Date

February 27, 2026

Acceptance Date

June 9, 2026

Published in Issue

Year 2026 Volume: 13 Number: 2

DOI

https://doi.org/10.54287/gujsa.1898889

IZ

https://izlik.org/JA54XY35ET

Cite

RIS / Bibtex

APA

Öztürk, M., Uyar, E., Pul, M., & Filazi, A. (2026). Investigation of Microscructure Properties and Radiation Shielding Performance of Cement Mortar with Different SiC Reinforcement Ratios. Gazi University Journal of Science Part A: Engineering and Innovation, 13(2), 659-676. https://doi.org/10.54287/gujsa.1898889

AMA

1.Öztürk M, Uyar E, Pul M, Filazi A. Investigation of Microscructure Properties and Radiation Shielding Performance of Cement Mortar with Different SiC Reinforcement Ratios. GU J Sci, Part A. 2026;13(2):659-676. doi:10.54287/gujsa.1898889

Chicago

Öztürk, Merve, Esra Uyar, Muharrem Pul, and Ahmet Filazi. 2026. “Investigation of Microscructure Properties and Radiation Shielding Performance of Cement Mortar With Different SiC Reinforcement Ratios”. Gazi University Journal of Science Part A: Engineering and Innovation 13 (2): 659-76. https://doi.org/10.54287/gujsa.1898889.

EndNote

Öztürk M, Uyar E, Pul M, Filazi A (June 1, 2026) Investigation of Microscructure Properties and Radiation Shielding Performance of Cement Mortar with Different SiC Reinforcement Ratios. Gazi University Journal of Science Part A: Engineering and Innovation 13 2 659–676.

IEEE

[1]M. Öztürk, E. Uyar, M. Pul, and A. Filazi, “Investigation of Microscructure Properties and Radiation Shielding Performance of Cement Mortar with Different SiC Reinforcement Ratios”, GU J Sci, Part A, vol. 13, no. 2, pp. 659–676, June 2026, doi: 10.54287/gujsa.1898889.

ISNAD

Öztürk, Merve - Uyar, Esra - Pul, Muharrem - Filazi, Ahmet. “Investigation of Microscructure Properties and Radiation Shielding Performance of Cement Mortar With Different SiC Reinforcement Ratios”. Gazi University Journal of Science Part A: Engineering and Innovation 13/2 (June 1, 2026): 659-676. https://doi.org/10.54287/gujsa.1898889.

JAMA

1.Öztürk M, Uyar E, Pul M, Filazi A. Investigation of Microscructure Properties and Radiation Shielding Performance of Cement Mortar with Different SiC Reinforcement Ratios. GU J Sci, Part A. 2026;13:659–676.

MLA

Öztürk, Merve, et al. “Investigation of Microscructure Properties and Radiation Shielding Performance of Cement Mortar With Different SiC Reinforcement Ratios”. Gazi University Journal of Science Part A: Engineering and Innovation, vol. 13, no. 2, June 2026, pp. 659-76, doi:10.54287/gujsa.1898889.

Vancouver

1.Merve Öztürk, Esra Uyar, Muharrem Pul, Ahmet Filazi. Investigation of Microscructure Properties and Radiation Shielding Performance of Cement Mortar with Different SiC Reinforcement Ratios. GU J Sci, Part A. 2026 Jun. 1;13(2):659-76. doi:10.54287/gujsa.1898889