By replacing the limestone and sand
typically used in concrete with a mineral called magnetite, Tuan has shown that the mixture can also shield against electromagnetic waves.
The electromagnetic spectrum includes the radio-frequency waves transmitted and received by cellphones, which Tuan said could make the concrete mixture useful to those concerned about becoming targets of industrial espionage.
Using the magnetite-embedded concrete, researchers have built a small structure in their laboratory that demonstrates the material's shielding capabilities. more