Boron Carbide Powders

Boron Carbide Powder for Nuclear Applications

Boron is an important material for nuclear applications due to its high neutron absorption cross section (760 barn* at neutron velocity of 2200 m/sec). The cross section of the B10 isotope in boron is considerably higher (3800 barn). In addition, boron doesn’t contain decay products with a long half-life and high-energy secondary radioactive materials. Since pure boron is extremely brittle and difficult to produce in shapes (for example: control rods) boron carbide is the material of choice to use since it provides a high concentration of boron atoms in a strong and refractory form and is relatively easy to fabricate.

Technical data

• Appearance (dry state):	Color	Black
• Chemical composition:	Chemical formula:	B4C Application
	Grade	NG (Nuclear)
	B + C min.	98
	B (Boron) min.	76
	C (Carbon) max.	24
	B₂O₃	0.1
	Fe(Iron) max.	0.1
	Si(Silicon)	0.01
	N (Nitrogen)	0.5
	Isotope B10 (atomic weight)	19.5-21.5%
•Physical data:	Knoop hardness(0.1)	3000
	Mohs hardness	<9.5
	Specific gravity:	2.51
	Melting point:	2723 °F
	Structure:	Monocrystalline

Note:	1.Diamond’s Mohs hardness is 10.
	2.*Barn is unit of area equal to 10^-24 sq. centimeters, used to measure cross sections in nuclear physics

	UKA Grade	Average Particle Size	Typical Application	Notes Notes Notes
1.	NG112M	112 micron	Additive to concrete	B <75%
2.	NG36L	36 micron	Additive to concrete	B <70%
3.	NG24H	24 micron	Nuclear Shielding Panels, Reaction Control Rods, Etc.	B>76%
5.	NG100H	100 micron		B >76%
6.	NG100HE	100 micron		B >76% + Enhanced Heat Transfer Capability
7.	NG6H	6 micron		B >76%
8.	NG6HE	6 micron		B >76% + Enhanced Heat Transfer Capability

Note:	1. Custom products are available on request.
	2.Standard packaging in 100 lb (30 gal.) fiber drums. Custom packaging is available on request.