Design, fabrication and comprehensive properties of the novel thermal neutron shielding Gd/316L composites

The constitutive equation of the Gd-155/157 areal density and thermal neutron shielding rate was established by Monte Carlo N Particle Transport Code (MCNP) and used to design the novel Gd/316L stainless steel thermal neutron shielding materials. When the Gd-155/157 areal density is greater than 0.01 g/cm(2), the thermal neutron absorption rate of the Gd/316L composite reaches approximately 99%. The novel thermal neutron shielding materials with different Gd (1 wt.%, -5 wt.%,) contents were prepared at 950 degrees C by spark plasma sintering. The transition layer composed of FeNi3, GdNi, and Gd3Ni can be formed during the sintering process. Meanwhile, the mechanical properties of Gd/316L composites decrease with the increase of the Gd content. In H3BO3 solution, pitting corrosion and galvanic corrosion occur at the interface between Gd and 316L matrix.

Automated summary

The constitutive equation of the Gd-155/157 areal density and thermal neutron shielding rate was established to design novel Gd/316L stainless steel thermal neutron shielding materials, which showed a high absorption rate when the Gd-155/157 areal density is above 0.01 g/cm(2). Different Gd contents were prepared using spark plasma sintering, forming a transition layer during the process and impacting the mechanical properties of the composites. Pitting and galvanic corrosion were observed at the interface between Gd and 316L matrix in a H3BO3 solution.