The design of a novel neutron shielding B4C/Al composite containing Gd. (5th December 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Xu, Z.G.; Jiang, L.T.; Zhang, Q.; Qiao, J.; Gong, D.; Wu, G.H.
• Is Part Of: Materials & design. Volume 111(2016)
• Page Start: 375
• Page End: 381
• Publication Date: 2016-12-05
• Subjects: B4C/Al -- Gd -- Neutron shielding property -- Plasticity; Materials -- Periodicals; Engineering design -- Periodicals; Matériaux -- Périodiques; Conception technique -- Périodiques; Electronic journals; 620.11
• DOI: 10.1016/j.matdes.2016.07.140
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0264-1275

Abstract

Abstract: Equivalent amount of B ( B Eq ) can be used to evaluate the thermal neutron shielding property of materials. Based on the calculation of B Eq, a novel boron carbide and gadolinium particles reinforced Al composite (15%B4 C + 1%Gd)/Al was designed. The composite was successfully prepared by vacuum hot pressing method. The B4 C particles and Gd phase were homogeneously distributed in the Al matrix. The Monte Carlo Particle transport program MCNP simulation and thermal neutron shielding tests demonstrated that the (15%B4 C + 1%Gd)/Al composite definitely had an almost equivalent neutron shielding property as the 30%B4 C/Al composite, which in turn proved the accuracy of the design. The macroscopic transmission cross section ( Σ ) of (15%B4 C + 1%Gd)/Al composite was as high as 21.3 cm − 1, which was better than that of 30%B4 C/Al composite. Tension tests indicated that by decreasing B4 C content, the elongation of the composite reached as much as 9%. The addition of Gd can replace a part of B4 C content in the composite, which can increase the plasticity of the composite, and keep the neutron shielding property simultaneously. Graphical abstract: Highlights: (B4 C + Gd)/Al composite was designed and prepared by vacuum hot pressing method. (15%B4 C + 1%Gd)/Al had better neutron shielding property as 30%B4 C/Al. (15%B4 C + 1%Gd)/Al had an elongation of 9%, which was better than 30%B4 C/Al.