The design of novel neutron shielding (Gd+B4C)/6061Al composites and its properties after hot rolling. (1st July 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Jiang, L.T.; Xu, Z.G.; Fei, Y.K.; Zhang, Q.; Qiao, J.; Wu, G.H.
• Is Part Of: Composites. Number 168(2019)
• Page Start: 183
• Page End: 194
• Publication Date: 2019-07-01
• Subjects: (Gd+B4C)/Al -- Thermal neutron shielding property -- Plasticity -- Mechanical properties; Composite materials -- Periodicals; Materials science -- Periodicals; Composite materials; Periodicals; Electronic journals; 620.118
• DOI: 10.1016/j.compositesb.2018.12.087
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1359-8368

Abstract

Abstract: In this paper, a novel approach to evaluate the neutron shielding performance of multiphase neutron absorber reinforced aluminum matrix composites was proposed through the establishment of a direct relationship between equivalent B areal density (EBAD) of the composite and its thermal neutron shielding coefficient. It was found when the EBAD of the composite was 0.1105 g/cm 2, the thermal neutron shielding coefficient will achieve 99%. Based on this proposed approach, (1% Gd+15% B4 C)/6061Al composite plates were successfully fabricated using vacuum hot pressing method followed hot rolling. The results showed that when the EBAD of the composite was 0.1871 g/cm 2, the thermal neutron shielding coefficient was above 99.9%, which was consistent with the theoretical calculation. The 5 mm-thick composite plate also had a good shielding effect on the Am-Be neutron source. Meanwhile the composite possessed a 380 MPa tensile strength as well as an elongation of 5% after hot rolling. In all, the (Gd + B4 C)/6061Al composite designed in this paper showed better comprehensive performance compared with the literature's. The work of this paper has a great guiding significance for the design and preparation of neutron absorbing composites with high thermal neutron shielding performance as well as high strength and plasticity. Graphical abstract: Image 1 Highlights: EBAD was proposed to evaluate neutron shielding performance of composites. The direct relationship between EBAD and thermal neutron shielding performance was established. The idea of equivalent substitution for the design of composites with good performance is of great significance. (1%Gd+15%B4 C)/6061Al composite possessed good mechanical and neutron shielding properties.