Title:
Thin Cement-Based Composites for Efficient Neutron Attenuation
Author(s):
A. D. Patel, J. M. Paris, C. C. Ferraro, J. E. Baciak, K. A. Riding, and E. R. Giannini
Publication:
Materials Journal
Volume:
122
Issue:
4
Appears on pages(s):
15-28
Keywords:
biological shield; boron carbide; high-density polyethylene (HDPE); neutron radiation; portland cement mortar; radiation-induced volumetric expansion (RIVE).
DOI:
10.14359/51746803
Date:
7/1/2025
Abstract:
Prolonged neutron irradiation can damage concrete biologicalshields, particularly when nuclear power plants extend reactorlifespans. Retrofitting biological shields with thin and highly efficientneutron shields may limit neutron damage. Portland cementmortars amended with boron carbide and polyethylene powderswere assessed for neutron attenuation. Shielding performancewas compared to concrete with a similar design and coarse aggregateas a biological shield at an operational nuclear plant. Boroncarbide enhanced the shielding performance of specimens underthe full energy spectrum of the neutron source. Boron carbide andpolyethylene synergistically enhanced neutron attenuation under apurely high-energy neutron flux. Engineered thin composite mortarsneeded 90% less thickness to achieve similar or better shieldingefficiency than the concrete in a typical biological shield underthe test conditions. Isothermal calorimetry, compressive strength,and thermal expansion results indicate that mixture design parameters of thin shields can be adjusted to achieve adequate structural properties without diminishing constructability or structural performance.