Neutron radiation induced transmutation of boron to lithium in aluminum-boron nitride composite

Journal Article · 24 December 2024 · Materials Today Advances

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mtadv.2024.100551 · OSTI ID:2483794

Mohammed, Sohail M.A.K. ^[1]; Li, Zehao ^[2]; Orikasa, Kazue ^[1]; Devaraj, Arun ^[2]; Garcia, David ^[2]; Sarvesha, R. ^[3]; Lama, Anil ^[1]; Pole, Mayur ^[2]; Park, Cheol ^[4]; Chu, Sang-Hyon ^[4]; Ross, Ken ^[2]; Agarwal, Arvind  ^[1]

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1. Florida International University (FIU), Miami, FL (United States)
2. Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL), Richland, WA (United States)
3. University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY (United States)
4. NASA Langley Research Center, Hampton, VA (United States)

Lightweight materials are essential for applications in harsh environments, such as space explorations, where materials must exhibit exceptional durability and resistance to radiation damage for both humans and equipment. Boron nitride nanoplatelets (BNNPs) serve as a reinforcement in metals offering superior radiation shielding along with excellent thermal and mechanical properties for extreme environments. In this work fully dense Al-BNNP composites are fabricated by solid-state friction stir welding (FSW). The neutron mass absorption coefficient of the FSW Al-BNNP composite was measured at 0.136 cm²/g, significantly higher than the 0.06 cm²/g of its counterpart FSW aluminum. This remarkable neutron shielding effectiveness is attributed to the transmutation of the ¹⁰B isotope of BNNP to Li and He. This neutron capture mechanism was experimentally investigated at the atomic scale by atom probe tomography (APT). Notably, Al-BNNP composites demonstrate great potential as multi-functional materials for future space explorations, from spacecraft assemblies to rocket fuel tanks, benefiting from their high strength, low weight, and superior radiation shielding.

• Research Organization: Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL), Richland, WA (United States)
• Sponsoring Organization: National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA); US Army Research Laboratory (USARL); USDOE
• Grant/Contract Number: AC05-76RL01830; AC06-76RL01830
• OSTI ID: 2483794
• Report Number(s): PNNL-SA--203505
• Journal Information: Materials Today Advances, Journal Name: Materials Today Advances Vol. 25; ISSN 2590-0498
• Publisher: ElsevierCopyright Statement
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English