New Composite Materials for Neutron Radiation Shielding

New Composite Materials for Neutron Radiation ShieldingAuthor:Ms. Constance ROBEYNSCo-authors:M. Christopher DANE, M. Fabien LABERGRI, M. Mathias CHAZOT, M. Julien PATRU, M. Laurent LIEVREROBATEL Industries, Genas, FranceAbstract:ROBATEL Industries company designs and products packages for highly radioactive materials. Neutron and thermal protection materials (PNTs) are used in those packages to catch neutrons and to limit the increase of temperature in case of fire. These PNTs composites are made of a cement-based matrix with mineral or organic fillers. Once the neutrons have been slowed down by the hydrogen contained in the composite, a mineral filler enables the neutron capture thanks to its high content of boron.To increase the percentage of hydrogen and boron inside neutron-shielding materials, new materials called Compound 23™ and Compound 24™ have been designed in ROBATEL Industries laboratories. Contrary to PNTs, those materials are epoxy resin-based composites. Different formulations were tested to mitigate the fillers segregation phenomenon, or to avoid a too long curing time. Fire retardant properties were also investigated in the case of Compound 24™. Finally these composites have been characterized and mechanically tested.This article will describe the rational of our research on new neutron radiation shielding compounds, the problematics we have been facing and the extensive experiments and testing involved for the qualification for the nuclear Industry of these new materials.