This invention deals with multi-component composite materials and
techniques for improved shielding of neutron and gamma radiation emitting
from transuranic, high-level and low-level radioactive wastes. Selective
naturally occurring mineral materials are utilized to formulate, in
various proportions, multi-component composite materials. Such materials
are enriched with atoms that provide a substantial cumulative absorptive
capacity to absorb or shield neutron and gamma radiation of variable
fluxes and energies. The use of naturally occurring minerals in
synergistic combination with formulated modified cement grout matrix,
polymer modified asphaltene and maltene grout matrix, and polymer
modified polyurethane foam grout matrix provide the radiation shielding
product. These grout matrices are used as carriers for the radiation
shielding composite materials and offer desired engineering and thermal
attributes for various radiation management applications.