Ammonium Metatungstate in Nuclear Industry Shielding Materials

Ammonium metatungstate (AMT) plays a significant role in the field of nuclear industry shielding materials, as it serves as an ideal precursor for high-density tungsten-based materials, exhibiting excellent radiation shielding performance. Specific applications include:

1. Nuclear Reactor Shielding: AMT can be thermally decomposed to form tungsten trioxide (WO₃), which can be further reduced to metallic tungsten (W), or directly compounded with a polymer matrix to produce high-density shielding materials. Tungsten’s high density (approximately 19.3 g/cm³ for metallic tungsten) and high atomic number (Z=74) provide excellent absorption capabilities for γ-rays and neutron radiation, making it suitable for nuclear reactor shielding panels and protective walls to safeguard personnel and equipment from radiation damage.

2. Medical Radiation Protection: Tungsten-based materials prepared from AMT can be used in medical radiation protection equipment, such as shielding layers for CT machines and X-ray machines. Compared to traditional lead-based shielding materials, tungsten-based materials are non-toxic, environmentally friendly, and offer higher shielding efficiency (approximately 30% greater absorption of γ-rays compared to lead), making them suitable for protective clothing, shielding doors, and windows in hospital radiology departments.

3. Nuclear Waste Storage: AMT can be used to prepare tungsten-based composite materials as shielding layers for nuclear waste storage containers. Its high density and corrosion resistance effectively shield radiation from radioactive materials while withstanding chemical corrosion during long-term storage, making it suitable for nuclear power plant waste management and deep geological disposal.