Preparation and Properties of B₄C/Graphite Neutron Absorption Ball

Abstract:

The neutron absorption ball for High Temperature Gascooled Reactor contains 25wt% B4C, dispersed in graphite matrix. Good compressive strength, wear resistance and thermal shock resistance are essential to absorption ball. B4C and graphite were selected as the filler, and phenolic resin was chosen as the binder. A certain amount of phenolic resin and silane coupling agent were used for the surface preparation of inorganic aggregate. Results showed that the residual weights of pretreating powders after carbonizing were higher than that of powders without pretreatment. The compressive strength of the neutron absorption ball was studied. Dipping can effectively improve the strength. Within a certain range, the compressive strength increased with the increase of dipping times. Compared with the thermoplastic resin, higher compressive strength sample was obtained when the thermosetting resin was used as impregnant. The average crushing force of the absorption ball prepared by the optimal process was up to 612 N.

• Periodical: Key Engineering Materials (Volumes 602-603)
• Pages: 248-251
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.4028/www.scientific.net/KEM.602-603.248
• Online since: March 2014
• Authors: Ting Guo, Chen Wang, Li Min Dong, Tong Xiang Liang*
• Keywords: Crushing Load, Dipping, Neutron Absorption Ball, Phenolic Resin

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