Boron-copper neutron absorbing material and method of preparation

USH897H · kind H · statutory invention registration

Assignee

• The United States of America as represented by the United States · US

Inventors

• Thomas C. Wiencek · Bolingbrook, US
• Robert F. Domagala · La Grange, US
• Henry R. Thresh · Palos, CU

Key dates

• Grant date: Mar 5, 1991

Classification

• Technology area (CPC —): General

Abstract

A composite, copper clad neutron absorbing material is comprised of copper powder and boron powder enriched with boron 10. The boron 10 content can reach over 30 percent by volume, permitting a very high level of neutron absorption. The copper clad product is also capable of being reduced to a thickness of 0.05 to 0.06 inches and curved to a radius of 2 to 3 inches, and can resist temperatures of 900.degree. C. A method of preparing the material includes the steps of compacting a boron-copper powder mixture and placing it in a copper cladding, restraining the clad assembly in a steel frame while it is hot rolled at 900.degree. C. with cross rolling, and removing the steel frame and further rolling the clad assembly at 650.degree. C. An additional sheet of copper can be soldered onto the clad assembly so that the finished sheet can be cold formed into curved shapes.