Characterization of some boron minerals against neutron shielding and 12 year performance of neutron permeability

In this study, the nuclear radiation permeability properties of various boron minerals are evaluated because of their high neutron absorption and lowest transmission properties. Because of these properties boron minerals can be used at the area of neutron shielding. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analyses are done for the identification of the minerals, and then their B₂O₃ contents are determined experimentally. In addition, X-ray florescence (XRF) analyses are made for quantitative determination of calcium, iron, zinc and arsenic contents. The methods of Differential Thermal Analysis, Thermal Gravimetry (TG/DTA) and Differential Scanning Calorimeter (DSC) are used for obtaining the enthalpy and weight changes with temperature. Additionally, neutron permeability experiments are conducted. From the experimental results, the highest boron oxide content was found in clay containing colemanite. Iron, zinc and arsenic contents were not affecting the neutron shielding. The lowest permeability is provided by the kurnakovite mineral. Also it is observed that all of the minerals show an increase in their permeability in 12 years. It can be stated that boron minerals, specifically kurnakovite, is determined to yield the lowest neutron permeability value and therefore, the use of these materials for neutron shielding would be suitable.