Adding Boron Compounds to Increase the Neutron Shielding Properties of Materials
Abstract
A risk of the nuclear industry is radiation, specifically neutron radiation. In order to maintain a safe work space for workers, better shielding is being developed. Current shielding methods are examined and boron is looked at as a potential material for shielding. Boron, having a large cross section, is combined with other materials in order to obtain the desired material properties to have shielding that can be applicable in different situations. New materials like resins and metals are being created by mixing Boron and other materials to suit the needs different applications within the nuclear industry. Four of these new materials are examined and shown how they are an improvement to current shielding methods used in nuclear reactors. It is concluded that adding Boron to materials is an effective way at increasing the neutron shielding properties. Adding Boron however can cause negative effects on properties such as resistance to high temperatures and the structural properties of materials. By obtaining a balance between these two problems, an ideal neutron shield could be produced to increase the safety of the Nuclear industryReferences
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