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Boron Carbide Powder for Nuclear Applications
Boron is an important material for nuclear applications due to its high neutron absorption cross section (760 barn* at neutron velocity of 2200 m/sec). The cross section of the B10 isotope in boron is considerably higher (3800 barn). In addition, boron doesn’t contain decay products with a long half-life and high-energy secondary radioactive materials. Since pure boron is extremely brittle and difficult to produce in shapes (for example: control rods) boron carbide is the material of choice to use since it provides a high concentration of boron atoms in a strong and refractory form and is relatively easy to fabricate.
Technical data
| • Appearance (dry state): |
Color |
Black |
| • Chemical composition: |
Chemical formula: |
B4C Application |
|
Grade |
NG (Nuclear) |
|
B + C min. |
98 |
|
B (Boron) min. |
76 |
|
C (Carbon) max. |
24 |
|
B2O3 |
0.1 |
|
Fe (Iron) max. |
0.1 |
|
Si (Silicon) |
0.01 |
|
N (Nitrogen) |
0.5 |
|
Isotope B10 (atomic weight) |
19.5-21.5% |
| • Physical data: |
Knoop hardness (0.1) |
3000 |
|
Mohs hardness |
< 9.5 |
|
Specific gravity: |
2.51 |
|
Melting point: |
2723 °F |
|
Structure: |
Monocrystalline |
| Note: 1. |
Diamond’s Mohs hardness is 10. |
| 2. |
*Barn is unit of area equal to 10-24 sq. centimeters, used to measure cross sections in nuclear physics. |
|
UKA Grade |
Average
Particle Size |
Typical Application |
Notes |
| 1. |
NG112M |
112 micron |
Additive to concrete |
B<75% |
| 2. |
NG36L |
36 micron |
B<70% |
| 3. |
NG24H |
24 micron |
Nuclear Shielding Panels, Reaction Control Rods,
Etc. |
B>76% |
| 4. |
NG24HE |
24 micron |
B>76% + Enhanced Heat Transfer Capability |
| 5. |
NG100H |
100 micron |
B>76% |
| 6. |
NG100HE |
100 micron |
B>76% + Enhanced Heat Transfer Capability |
| 7. |
NG6H |
6 micron |
B>76% |
| 8. |
NG6HE |
6 micron |
B>76% + Enhanced Heat Transfer Capability |
| Note: 1. |
Custom products are available on request. |
| 2. |
Standard packaging in 100 lb (30 gal.) fiber drums. Custom packaging is available on request. |
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Cutting Edge Technology Superabrasive and Abrasive Powders and Products
ISO 9002 registered • NQA1 (Nuclear Quality Assurance) certified
Copyright © 2002 UK Abrasives, Inc.
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