UTILIZATION OF RECYCLED CATHODE RAY TUBE WASTE GLASS IN CEMENT MORTAR COMPOSITES FOR GAMMA RADIATION SHIELDING APPLICATIONS

Abstract

The rapid obsolescence of Cathode Ray Tube (CRT) technology has created a large global stockpile of electronic waste, which poses serious environmental hazards due to its lead content. This study explores the use of recycled CRT glass as a substitute for fine aggregate in cement mortar for gamma radiation shielding. CRT glass obtained from discarded television sets was processed and used to replace natural sand at 0%, 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100% by weight. The resulting composites were tested for compressive strength, water absorption, density, and gamma radiation attenuation using a Cobalt‑60 source. The results showed that incorporating CRT glass increased mortar density; the 100% CRT composite reached 2620 kg/m³ compared to 2410 kg/m³ for the control mix. Compressive strength initially dropped at 25% replacement but rose significantly at higher levels, with the 100% CRT mix achieving 34.40 MPa. All CRT mixes exhibited lower water absorption (1.43–1.65%) than the control (2.09%). Gamma radiation shielding improved progressively as CRT content increased, with the highest attenuation observed at 100% replacement. The study concludes that recycled CRT glass is an effective, sustainable aggregate for producing high‑density cement mortar with improved mechanical properties and enhanced gamma radiation shielding capability.