Experimental estimation of radiation damage induced by 10B(n, α)7Li reactions in Al-B4C neutron absorber discharged from spent nuclear fuel pool

Al-B4C neutron absorbers in spent fuel pools have been assumed to have negligible radiation damage and helium generation from 10B(n, α)7Li reactions. However, surveillance coupons have shown highly radiation-damaged microstructure. We conducted 200 keV He+ ion irradiation on Al 6061 at three differe...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of nuclear materials 2023-12, Vol.587, p.154728, Article 154728
Main Authors: Jung, Yunsong, Kim, Geon, Ha, Woong, Ahn, Sangjoon
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
He concentration
He ion irradiation
Neutron absorber
Radiation damage
Spent fuel pool
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Summary:Al-B4C neutron absorbers in spent fuel pools have been assumed to have negligible radiation damage and helium generation from 10B(n, α)7Li reactions. However, surveillance coupons have shown highly radiation-damaged microstructure. We conducted 200 keV He+ ion irradiation on Al 6061 at three different doses (0.1, 1, and 10 dpa) and compared the microstructures to the surveillance coupon. The neutron absorber's bubble size (25.9 ± 7.4 nm) was most similar to the 10 dpa irradiated specimen (28.4 ± 13.8 nm). Commercial neutron absorber (BORAL and MAXUS®) were also irradiated up to 10 dpa and showed preferential cavity formation along grain boundaries.
ISSN:0022-3115
1873-4820
DOI:10.1016/j.jnucmat.2023.154728