Investigation of the Shielding Capability of Concrete Matrixed Colemanite Reinforced Shielding Material

Abstract

In this study, neutron shielding capabilities of colemanite reinforced materials with concrete matrix were investigated. Containing 70% by weight of colemanite a boron compound 20, 40 and 60 mm samples were prepared and their neutron shielding properties were studied. Composite material prepared by hand mixing by the weight of different ratios of colemanite, so that the obtaining process of the samples are extremely smooth. As an excellent thermal neutron absorber, colemanite is the crucial part of the composite. Beside this, concrete act as a role of thermalizing the energetic neutrons, by the way the colemanite can absorb the particles. It was observed that shielding capability of the composite material increased with increasing its thickness. The performance of neutron radiation shielding of specimens prepared by adding 70% colemanite by weight into concrete material was experimentally analyzed with Am-Be neutron source measurement system.

Keywords

• Neutron radiation,Shielding,Composite material,Colemanite,Concrete

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