Abstract:
An improved nuclear shielding material that is flexible so as to effectively fill voids in radiation containment structures. Under very high temperatures the material is designed to undergo pyrolysis and transform into a strong ceramic material. The material contains a number of components, the first of which is a polymeric elastomer matrix such as two part self-polymerizing system like RTF silicone rubber. Additional components include: a compound to shield gamma radiation like tungsten carbide powder, a neutron absorbing/gamma blocking compound such as boron carbide powder, a heat conducting material such as diamond powder, a high temperature resistant compond such as silicon dioxide powder, a second neutron absorbing compound which also imparts electrical conductivity, namely barium sulfate powder, and a hydrogen gas surpassing component which readily absorbs hydrogen such as sponge palladium.
Abstract:
An improved nuclear shielding material based on a resistant organic matrix that is flexible or resilient after room temperature polymerization, and sufficiently fluid before polymerization so as to effectively fill voids in radiation containment structures. The material can be formulated to undergo pyrolysis and transform into a strong ceramic material. Along with the organic matrix the material contains a primary radiation shielding component such as tungsten carbide powder. Additional optional components include: a neutron absorbing/gamma blocking compound such as boron carbide powder, a heat conducting material such as diamond powder, a high temperature resistant compound such as silicon dioxide powder, a second neutron blocking compound which also imparts electrical conductivity, namely barium sulfate powder, and a hydrogen gas surpassing component which readily absorbs hydrogen such as sponge palladium- Refractory materials and rare earth oxides can be included to favor effective ceramic transition.