Towards sustainable radiation protection: hydration, gamma-ray, and neutron shielding of OPC–limestone composites from diverse geological origins

Key Points

• Effective gamma-ray shielding was demonstrated with specific OPC–limestone composites under study conditions.
• Hydration properties significantly influence the overall performance of these materials in radiation protection.
• The study examined composites sourced from different geological origins to assess performance variations.
• Implications suggest a broader application in construction, particularly for facilities requiring enhanced radiation protection.