@article{10902/33482,
year = {2024},
month = {10},
url = {https://hdl.handle.net/10902/33482},
abstract = {Research on new composite materials in the field of radiation shielding materials requires adequate means and meticulousness in their manufacture and characterization. In this study, concretes that use elements that theoretically improve their shielding properties are developed, such as fibers and boron-rich additions. Both magnetite and limestone concrete have been manufactured, incorporating steel fibers to improve the linear attenuation coefficient and polyvinyl alcohol to increase neutron scattering cross section. The incorporation of boron carbide is intended to increase the neutron absorption cross section. 5 mixes have been manufactured that have been tested with several gamma radiation sources (570-1280 keV) and with an Am-Be neutron source (111 GBq). The experimental results have been used to validate simulations carried out with MAVRIC® and have led to the modelling of a simplified spent nuclear fuel cask. Boron carbide produces a decrease of more than 50% on the neutron dose rate in contact with the cask. Incorporating PVA fibers supposes gain in neutron attenuation capacity of up to 13%, while fibers have a negligible effect on the photon dose rate.},
organization = {This research was co-financed by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and the Ministry of Economy, Industry and Competitiveness (MINECO) within the framework of the project RTC2016-5637-3. The research has been possible thanks to the collaboration
of the company INGECID, the department LADICIM (University of Cantabria) the Modern Physics Department of the University of Cantabria and the companies ROCACERO and SIDENOR},
publisher = {Elsevier},
publisher = {Progress in Nuclear Energy, 2024, 175, 105320},
title = {Effect of fibers and boron carbide on the radiation shielding properties of limestone and magnetite aggregate concrete},
author = {Pérez Avelleira, Sara and Tamayo Castañeda, Pablo and Rico Arenal, Jokin and Alonso Sanz, Javier and Thomas García, Carlos},
}