Development of a Non-Volatile Boron Carbide-Copper Cermet Neutron Shield for High Performance Shipping Casks

摘要

Significant progress has been made in fabricating boron carbide-copper neutron shields by powder metallurgy techniques. Full theoretical density is readily achieved for B sub 4 C contents less than 60 vol %. The best combination of density, thermal conductivity and mechanical properties has been observed for the 40 to 50 vol % B sub 4 C-Cu composition. Based on theoretical calculations, there is promise for enhancing the thermal conductivity for the 30 to 60 vol % B sub 4 C compositions by adjusting the consolidation parameters. Full theoretical density for 70 and 80 vol % B sub 4 C compositions was not achieved by varying the consolidation parameters and particle size, but pressure is the most important consolidation parameters. (ERA citation 06:004009)