What is Radiation damage?
'''Radiation damage''' is the effect of radiation on non-living things, such as buildings. Sometimes, radiation can have a positive effect on these materials, but sometimes, radiation damages them. [[Ionizing radiation]] can strip [[electron|electrons]] from bonds, changing materials a lot. For example, metals are made stronger and harder by radiation, but they become less [[ductility|ductile]]. ==Effects== Radiation can have many different effects on a material, ranging from mild alteration to massive changes in a material's structure. These effects include:. * Material [[radioactivity]] as a result of exposure. * [[Radiolysis]] (the breaking of chemical bonds) resulting in weakening of the material. * Formation of [[reactivity (chemistry)|reactive]] compounds. * [[Nuclear transmutation]] of elements within a material. * Introduction of impurities or defects via ion implantation (the process of launching ions at a material to change its properties), modifying the material's electrical functionality. Radiation damage effects can also be grouped by what material they're effecting. === Effects on metals and concrete === Radiation can have harmful effects on [[metal]]<nowiki/>s and [[concrete]], because it can damage them until they are no longer safe to be used. In metals, exposure to radiation can make them stronger through hardening, it can also make the metals more brittle (making it easily fractured, broken, or cracked). Concrete is often used in [[Nuclear power plant|nuclear power plants]], meaning it is an area of frequently studied (in relation to radiation damage). Over time, certain aggregates (types of gravel, sand, and crushed stone added to materials) can swell due to radiation exposure, making it unsafe. === Effects on polymers === Radiation can effect [[Polymer|polymers]] that are found in a variety of places, including [[Nuclear reactor|nuclear reactors]], [[medical]] apparatus, and [[aerospace]] parts. Ionizing radiation can be used to strengthen and change the traits of these polymers.