Radon-blocking coating agent from magnesium aminoclay (MgAC)/water-soluble epoxy composites

Radon, a significant contributor to lung cancer, is a pressing concern in indoor environments, particularly in poorly ventilated buildings. This article delves into the development of a radon-blocking coating agent using magnesium aminoclay (MgAC) and water-soluble epoxy composites, offering a promising solution to mitigate radon exposure. The study explores the unique properties of MgAC, which can be easily converted between intercalated and exfoliated forms, enhancing its compatibility with epoxy matrices. Experimental results demonstrate that the addition of MgAC to epoxy coatings significantly improves radon-blocking efficiency, with reductions of up to 89.04% observed in laboratory settings and 85.91% in real-field evaluations. The article provides a comprehensive analysis of the material's characterization, including XRD, FTIR, XPS, SEM, and TGA, revealing the enhanced thermal stability and compact structure of the MgAC/epoxy composite. The suggested antiradon mechanism involves a 'tortuous pathway' that effectively hinders radon emission, making this coating a potential game-changer in environmental health and construction industries.