Researchers Develop Radiation-Blocking Materials Using Volcanic Ash : The Hearty Soul

When you think of destructive natural power, volcanic eruptions probably come to mind pretty quickly. But these devastating forces of nature produce something a surprising potential: ash. Recent studies have uncovered a remarkable application for volcanic ash, radiation shielding. This innovative discovery could provide a sustainable and cost-effective alternative to conventional shielding materials, transforming the healthcare and nuclear industries.

A Resource in Disguise

Blocks of geopolymer mortar made from Taal volcanic ash (TVA) freshly removed from their molds after being left to cure for 24 hours. — Credit: Myris V. Supnad

After an eruption, volcanic ash covers huge areas, posing serious environmental and health risks. In 2020, the Taal Volcano erupted and covered large portions of Luzon (the Philippines) with a thick blanket of ash. The aftermath caused significant issues for local communities, the primary one being what to do with all of the volcanic ash everywhere. But rather than treating the ash as waste, scientists found a promising use for it in construction materials.

Researchers from the Ateneo de Manila University and National University-Mall of Asia Campus discovered that volcanic ash, specifically the ash from Taal Volcano (TVA), could make geopolymer mortar blocks. These blocks have shown the ability to form as a radiation shield, which is vital for facilities that use ionizing radiation.

Unlike regular ash, volcanic ash is composed of tiny, sharp rock and glass fragments that are abrasive and hard. While these properties make it difficult to dispose of, they also provide unique characteristics that can be harnessed.

The Science Behind It All

a tightly wound ball of yarn — Credit: Unsplash

What makes the ash from Taal special is that it contains high levels of iron-rich minerals. Iron is well known as a radiation blocker, making it an easy candidate for a shielding material. The dense and tightly-packed nature allows iron to absorb and block hazardous forms of radiation – like X-rays and gamma rays (sorry, Hulk) – which are commonplace in medical treatments, food sterilization, and industrial inspections.

Researchers Floyd Rey P. Plando, Myris V. Supnad, and Joel T. Maquiling point out that “iron has greater interaction power because it contains more electrons,” making it more effective material for shielding against harmful radiation. The breakthrough suggests that volcanic ash, which is abundant in many parts of the world, could be used to make radiation shielding materials – as long as they also contain iron, or something similarly dense. The ash from Taal Volcano, for example, is an ideal resource for large-scale production since its eruption. The ash provides a sustainable solution and also offers an alternative to traditional, more expensive radiation shielding materials like concrete or lead.

The Future of Radiation Protection

volcanic eruption with a plume of ash — Credit: Unsplash

Researchers are continuing to refine the material’s properties for better durability and performance. While the initial results are promising, further studies will be necessary to optimize the mix of ash and aggregates to ensure long-term stability.

What is most exciting though is that the use of volcanic ash could help manage the waste generated by eruptions. In regions like the Philippines, where volcanic ash is a recurring issue due to the country’s location along the Pacific Ring of Fire, this is a game changer.

As researchers continue to explore the full potential of volcanic ash in radiation protection, the possibilities for its use are expanding. It could play a key role in building safer, more sustainable facilities in the future, especially in areas prone to natural disasters like volcanic eruptions. By utilizing volcanic ash, scientists are not only helping to mitigate the environmental impact of such disasters but also contributing to global efforts to improve radiation safety.

With its abundant availability and unique properties, volcanic ash could soon be an essential material in industries where radiation safety is a top priority. This development not only offers a solution for managing volcanic waste, but it also contributes to the global push for more sustainable, cost-effective construction materials.