Determination of Rn-222 emanations from kenaf composite brick
Abstract
Radon is a natural radioactive gas that is derived from the decomposition of uranium-238 in the soils, rocks, sand and water. This study aimed to investigate whether the replacement of some amounts of raw brick materials (rocks, sand, cement) with treated kenaf fibre can reduce the Rn-222 emanations in fabricated composite bricks. Rn-222 concentrations were measured on four different fabricated bricks in Perspex box using Radon Monitor Sentinel Model 1030. 10 g of treated kenaf fibres were added by different formula of raw materials. Rn-222 concentration reading for each brick was measured within 72 hours consecutively. The results show that the properties of kenaf fibre was influenced the Rn-222 concentrations. The average of Rn-222 concentrations for composite brick 1, 2 and 3 were 1.0 pCi/L, 3.8 pCi/L, 4.1 pCi/L and 3.1 pCi/L, respectively. Composite brick 2 (gravel/kenaf fibre) show the highest average of Rn-222 concentration with 4.1 pCi/L. Meanwhile, concrete brick that act as control shows the lowest average of Rn-222 concentration with 1.0 pCi/L.
- Publication:
-
Materials Characterization Using X-Rays and Related Techniques
- Pub Date:
- February 2019
- DOI:
- 10.1063/1.5089346
- Bibcode:
- 2019AIPC.2068b0047R