Radiation shielding phosphate bonded ceramics using enriched isotopic boron compounds

• US 20020165082A1
• Filed: 02/23/2001
• Published: 11/07/2002
• Est. Priority Date: 02/23/2001
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: U Chicago Argonne, LLC
• Original Assignee: U Chicago Argonne, LLC
• Inventors: Singh, Dileep, Jeong, Seung-Young
• Application Number:
  US09/791,422
• Publication Number:
  US 20020165082A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 501/155
• CPC Class Codes: G21F 1/06 Ceramics; Glasses; Refractories cermets G21F1/08

Abstract

A new method for enhancing the physical and radiation shielding characteristics of phosphate ceramics, via the incorporation therein of isotopic boron compounds and bismuth, iron, and lead additives. The resulting material finds applications as physical and radiation shields and as building constituents in spent fuel- and waste containment-scenarios.

Claims

1. A method for enhancing the radiation shielding characteristics of phosphate ceramics comprising:

a) providing a ceramic liquor;

b) adding boron to the liquor; and

c) allowing the liquor to cure.

2. The method as recited in claim 1 wherein the boron is in the form of boron compounds selected from the group consisting of natural B₄C, enriched B₄C, boric acid, iron boride, or combinations thereof.

3. The method as recited in claim 1 wherein the boron is a boron isotope selected from the group consisting of boron-10, boron-11, or a combination thereof.

4. The method as recited in claim 2 wherein the concentration of natural B₄C in the ceramic varies from 1 wt. % to 20 wt. %.

5. The method as recited in claim 2 wherein the concentration of enriched B₄C in the ceramic varies from 1 wt. % to 20 wt. %.

6. The method as recited in claim 2 wherein the enriched boron contains greater than 95% boron-10.

7. The method as recited in claim 1 wherein the boron is contained in borated aluminum and the concentration of the borated aluminum in the ceramic liquor varies from 1 wt. % to 20 wt. %.

8. The method as recited in claim 1 wherein the boron is enriched boron selected from the group consisting of elemental boron, boron carbide, boric acid, or a combination thereof.

9. The method as recited in claim 1 wherein shielding is further enhanced with the addition of heavy metals to the liquor.

10. The method as recited in claim 9 wherein the heavy metal is in the form of an oxide selected from the group consisting of Fe₃O₄, Bi₂O₃, Fe₂O₃, and PbO₂.

11. The method as recited in claim 10 wherein the concentration of Bi₂O₃ varies from 1 wt. % to 15 wt. %.

12. The method as recited in claim 10 wherein the concentration of Fe₂O₃ varies from 1 wt. % to 50 wt. %.

13. The method as recited in claim 10 wherein the concentration of Fe₃O₄ varies from 1 wt. % to 50 wt. %.

14. The method as recited in claim 9 wherein the heavy metal is lead, bismuth, iron, or combinations thereof.

15. The method as recited in claim 14 wherein the concentration of Pb metal varies from 5 wt. % to 50 wt. %.

17. The substrate as recited in claim 16 wherein the heat dissipating means is integrally formed with the shielding means.

18. The substrate as recited in claim 16 wherein the shielding means comprises boron.

19. The substrate as recited in claim 16 wherein the shielding means is homogeneously dispersed within the binder.

20. The substrate as recited in claim 18 wherein the shielding means for gamma radiation further comprises a heavy metal selected from the group consisting of lead, bismuth, and iron.

16. A ceramic substrate comprising:

a) a binder further comprising magnesium, potassium, and phosphorus;

b) a means for dissipating heat, said means contacting said binder; and

c) a means for shielding radiation, said shielding means contacting said binder.