The role of gamma rays in waste treatment and using it in the concrete industry

Scientific advances since the second world war have lead to the development of numerous numbers of products that provide excellent benefits to the human kind. Most of these products, however, become waste materials after a short life and contribute to environmental pollution. Worldwide, this problem has become of great concern. Trying to tackle this issue, many investigation focused on recycling using innovative and clean technologies, such as ionizing radiation. In this context, it was found that the use of gamma radiation in recycling waste materials is a useful tool not only in reducing environmental pollution but also in improving the mechanical properties of concrete. For example, the compressive strength and modulus of elasticity are improved by the addition of gamma irradiated waste materials. Some of these materials that can be irradiated and reused to enhance the properties of concrete are polyethylene plastic bottles, used automotive car tires and cellulose extracted from packing containers. (author)