Author(s)

IVAN VRDOLJAK, IVANA MILIČEVIĆ, SLAVKO RUPČIĆ

Abstract

In this study, electromagnetic (EM) radiation shielding of a clay composite with three different admixtures was tested. Because of the rapid development of new modern technologies, human exposure to non-ionizing EM radiation has grown exponentially. This has aroused the interest of scientists to answer the question of how long-term exposure to EM radiation is harmful to human health. Due to potential risks to human health and an increasing number of studies that have concluded that long-term EM radiation can be harmful to health, the WHO has classified the radiofrequency band (from 300 kHz to 300 GHz) as a potential cause of cancerous diseases. The frequency span 1.5–6 GHz was tested. Admixtures used as a partial replacement in mass percentage are fly ash, titanium dioxide and zinc ferrite. The percentage replacement was 5%. The results showed the lowest transmission in specimens with titanium dioxide addition. The lowest transmission in regards to the reference sample was about −10 dB. This research was done with the aim of production of load-bearing bricks with high protection against EM radiation for the construction of healthy buildings.

Keywords

clay, fly ash, titanium dioxide, zinc ferrite, electromagnetic radiation shielding