Elemental content variations in crushed mortar specimens measured by instrumental neutron activation analysis (INAA)

Previous investigations concerning neutron emission measurements highlighted piezonuclear fission reactions during mechanical tests on iron-rich materials. Based on our experimental evidences, iron can be considered one of the most convenient elements as regards fission into aluminium or into magnesium and silicon. In the present investigation, we apply the Instrumental Neutron Activation Analysis (INAA) in order to provide experimental evidence of elemental content variations in mortar specimens subjected to compression tests up to crushing failure. To emphasize such a phenomenon, the specimens were highly enriched with iron oxides. Twenty-four chemical elements, including iron, aluminum, magnesium, and silicon, were quantified before and after the mechanical tests by means of chemical and INAA analyses. Our intention was mainly that of confirming low energy nuclear reactions involving fission of iron into aluminum. To this purpose, the concentrations of aluminum before and after the compression tests of the mortar specimens are presented and discussed.