Enhanced safety in the storage of fissile materials. [Boron-loaded epoxy resin]
An inexpensive boron-loaded liner of epoxy resin for fissile-material storage containers was developed that can be easily fabricated of readily available, low-cost materials. Computer calculations indicate reactivity will be reduced substantially if this neutron-absorbing liner is added to containers in a typical storage array. These calculations compare favorably with neutron-attenuation experiments with thermal and fission neutron spectra, and tests at the Fire Test Facility indicate the epoxy resin will survive extreme environmental and accident conditions. The fire-resistant and insulating properties of the epoxy-resin liner further augment its ability to protect fissile materials. Boron-loaded epoxy resin is adaptable to many tasks but is particularly useful for providing enhanced criticality safety in the packaging and storage of fissile materials.
- Research Organization:
- Lawrence Livermore National Lab. (LLNL), Livermore, CA (United States)
- DOE Contract Number:
- W-7405-ENG-48
- OSTI ID:
- 6071941
- Report Number(s):
- UCRL-52612; TRN: 79-011235
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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Related Subjects
36 MATERIALS SCIENCE
FISSILE MATERIALS
STORAGE
NEUTRON ABSORBERS
FABRICATION
BORON
COMPOSITE MATERIALS
CONTAINERS
CRITICALITY
EPOXIDES
FIRE RESISTANCE
RESINS
SAFETY
ELEMENTS
FISSIONABLE MATERIALS
ORGANIC COMPOUNDS
ORGANIC OXYGEN COMPOUNDS
ORGANIC POLYMERS
PETROCHEMICALS
PETROLEUM PRODUCTS
POLYMERS
SEMIMETALS
050900* - Nuclear Fuels- Transport
Handling
& Storage
360601 - Other Materials- Preparation & Manufacture