Value-added recycling of cathode ray tube funnel glass into high-performance radiation shielding concrete

This study proposed a novel method for recycling cathode ray tube (CRT) glass as heavy aggregates to prepare radiation shielding concrete (RSC). Microstructure, physical properties, radiation shielding characteristics, as well as economic and environmental benefits of CRT glass-based RSC were evaluated. Compared to conventional RSC, the CRT glass-based RSC showed a 13.8 % higher gamma ray shielding capacity. Although the mechanical properties of CRT glass-based RSC slightly decreased by 25.7 % due to the weak interfacial transition zone, the 28-day compressive strength of CRT glass-based RSC still fulfilled the requirement of criteria (> 30 MPa). Based on the cost-benefit assessment, there was 166.7 $/m3 profit in CRT glass-based RSC. Furthermore, CRT glass-based RSC demonstrated 47.7 % and 37.0 % reduction in fossil fuel depletion and carbon emissions compared with barite-based RSC.