Barite is a non-metallic mineral primarily composed of barium sulfate. It has a density of 4.3–4.5 g/cm³ and a Mohs hardness of 3–3.5. With stable chemical properties, barite is insoluble in water and hydrochloric acid, non-toxic, non-magnetic, and effectively absorbs X-rays and gamma rays. China is rich in barite resources, ranking third globally in reserves but first in production. As the world’s largest exporter of barite, China holds an irreplaceable position in the international market.
1. Advantages of Barium-Containing Compounds in Radiation Protection
Barium, positioned earlier than lead in the periodic table, is non-radioactive and has a relatively large atomic weight, making it highly effective in radiation shielding. Its high probability of photoelectric interaction with radiation enhances ionizing radiation protection. Additionally, barium ions exhibit a high dielectric constant and strong magnetization intensity, contributing to effective shielding against non-ionizing radiation.
Traditional radiation protection materials, such as lead-gel X-ray protective clothing, have limitations in comfort and toxicity due to lead oxides. In contrast, Japan has developed a fiber containing barium sulfate, which offers a strength of 0.99 g/d and an elongation of 26%. This fiber is not only comfortable to wear but also non-toxic.
Commonly used radiation-proof cements include barium cement and strontium cement. While strontium cement has superior ion-shielding properties, barium cement provides better shielding against γ-rays and X-rays.
In functional composite fiberboards, barite powder, zeolite powder, and magnetite powder are commonly used for electromagnetic shielding. Among them, barite powder demonstrates the best shielding effectiveness. In the low-frequency range below 110 kHz, the maximum electromagnetic shielding effectiveness of barite powder, zeolite powder, and magnetite powder are 17.99 dB, 17.71 dB, and 16.99 dB, respectively, with barite powder providing the best protection.
2. Current Status of Foreign Research on Barite Radiation Protection Applications
Foreign research on using barite in radiation protection materials began relatively early. For example, the Akkur research group at Demirel University in Turkey experimented with barite as both coarse and fine aggregate in concrete, adjusting the water-to-aggregate ratio to produce three different types of barite concrete. Their tests confirmed that barite aggregate provides excellent shielding performance against gamma rays.
Similarly, Günther et al. studied composite fibers containing barium sulfate, barium titanate, and bismuth oxide, utilizing their X-ray absorption properties. The yarns and fabrics made from these fibers were found to effectively shield against X-rays.
Japan also proposed a method of adding barium sulfate to a viscose solution for spinning, developing a new type of fiber. Fabrics made from this material demonstrated a significant attenuation effect on X-rays, particularly achieving 97% attenuation of a 6 kV, 2 mA cathode X-ray source.
3. Current Status of Research on Barite Radiation Protection Applications in China
(1) Construction Industry
She Ziying proposed that barite concrete, which uses barite as a key aggregate, enhances apparent density and compactness, leading to effective shielding against X-rays and gamma rays.
Gao Yuxin et al. developed barite radiation protection concrete by combining high-density barite sand with cement. Their final product achieved an apparent density greater than 3600 kg/m³ while maintaining excellent mechanical properties.
Yang Yibo et al. investigated heavy concrete containing iron sand and barite as heavy aggregates. Their study demonstrated that this material can be used to produce C30 neutron radiation protection heavy concrete with an apparent density exceeding 3600 kg/m³, meeting neutron radiation shielding standards.
(2) Medical Industry
Liu Jinwei et al. proposed using barite to produce nano barium sulfate, which was then added to a viscose spinning solution to create a new type of composite film. This film was used in medical anti-X-ray clothing, demonstrating 44% higher X-ray absorption compared to pure viscose film.
Ma Junzhi et al. employed pre-spinning injection technology to incorporate barium sulfate into viscose stock solution, producing a radiation-proof viscose staple fiber. The even distribution of barium sulfate within the fiber improved its crystallinity. Tests confirmed that both the individual fibers and the resulting fabric absorbed more X-rays as the barium sulfate content increased, significantly enhancing their radiation protection performance.
(3) Other Industries
Barite is also utilized as a filling material in mobile phone signal shielding materials.
Yuan Quanping proposed that filling stainless steel shielding materials with barite powder can achieve an electromagnetic shielding effectiveness of over 10 dB at frequencies ranging from 100 kHz to 139 MHz, peaking at 17.99 dB at 22.59 MHz. However, in the 139–341 MHz frequency range, the shielding effectiveness decreases to 5–9 dB, and as the frequency increases, the effectiveness drops below 1 dB. Interestingly, in the 795 MHz–1.25 GHz range, the shielding value increases to 1–3 dB.
Yang Huaming et al. developed barite-based composite conductive powder (SSB) using barite powder. When incorporated into conductive coatings, SSB achieved a medium shielding effectiveness of 40 dB for electromagnetic waves below 100 MHz.
Conclusion
1. Radiation Protection Properties of Barite
Barite is effective for radiation protection due to its primary component, barium sulfate. It has a high atomic mass, a large number of atoms per unit volume, and a high probability of photoelectric effect, making it highly efficient at absorbing radiation energy. Additionally, barium ions exhibit a high dielectric constant and strong magnetization intensity, providing effective electromagnetic radiation attenuation.
2. Advantages of Barite Over Other Radiation Protection Materials
Compared to other radiation shielding materials, it offers significant advantages due to its abundant global reserves, with China leading the world in barite production. Unlike other barium-containing compounds, it features a denser crystal structure, higher density, greater photoelectric effect probability, simpler processing technology, lower cost, and reduced environmental impact.
3. Current Applications and Research Gaps
Presently, barite is mainly used in radiation protection for concrete in the construction industry. It’s an additive in medical protective clothing, and in coatings for electronic signal shielding materials. However, its research and application remain limited in areas such as high-speed rail and the military industry, highlighting potential opportunities for further exploration.
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