Researchers from the Ateneo Department of Physics discovers enhanced radiation shielding effect of Taal volcanic ash-based geopolymer concrete

A recent study by the Geophysics Research (GEO-R) Laboratory of the Ateneo Department of Physics, assessed the impacts of mixing Taal volcanic ash (TVA) as an aluminosilicate material in geopolymer (GP) mortar, focussing on its effects on compressive strength, microstructure, thermal, and radiation shielding. 

Dr Joel T Maquiling, head of the GEO-R lab and GeoDynamics Research (GDR) Lab of the Manila Observatory, together with his students, Dr Floyd Rey P Plando (also a faculty of the National University, Mall of Asia Campus) and Myris V Supnad tested the mechanical and chemical properties of TVA-based GP concrete and found that the natural presence of iron-rich minerals in TVA gave the GP concrete a strong radiation shielding property, particularly for hazardous X-rays and Gamma rays. 

The study utilized the volcanic ash from the Taal Volcano eruption in January 2020. Since the Philippines has a number of active volcanoes, the result of this study offers new perspectives on the practical use of volcanic ash. The study further mentions that the TVA-based GP concrete may be used for encapsulating radioactive waste materials and for reinforcing buildings to improve their radiation shielding properties.

Further details can be found in their paper, Assessment of compressive strength, microstructure, thermal, and radiation shielding properties of Taal volcanic ash-based geopolymer mortar, which was published in the Journal of Building Engineering (Elsevier) on 13 December 2024.

Source: 

Plando, F.R.P., Supnad, M.V. and Maquiling, J.T., 2025. Assessment of compressive strength, microstructure, thermal, and radiation shielding properties of Taal volcanic ash-based geopolymer mortar. Journal of Building Engineering, 99, p.111572.