Radiation shielding structure composition

Abstract

Radiation structures formed from a composition including calcium silicate, magnesium or calcium oxides and an acid phosphate are provided. The composition may also include fly ash or kaolin.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A radiation shielding structure composition comprising 10 to 40 percent by weight calcium silicate, 10 to 35 percent by weight magnesium oxide, and 15 to 45 percent by weight acid phosphate and having an improved attenuation coefficient as compared to ordinary concrete based on photon energies of 0.662 MeV (5 μCi Cs-137 source) and 1.173 MeV (1 μCi Co-60 source). 
     
     
         2 . The radiation shielding structure composition of  claim 1 , wherein the acid phosphate is monopotassium phosphate. 
     
     
         3 . The radiation shielding structure composition of  claim 1 , further comprising fly ash or kaolin or both. 
     
     
         4 . A radiation shielding structure comprising the radiation shielding structure composition of  claim 1  sprayed onto a substrate or formed into predetermined structure. 
     
     
         5 . A method of shielding a structure or substrate from radiation, the method comprising applying a composition comprising 10 to 40 percent by weight calcium silicate, 10 to 35 percent by weight magnesium oxide, and 15 to 45 percent by weight acid phosphate to the structure or substrate.