Key Technology for Preparation of Aluminum-Based Boron Carbide Neutron Absorbing Material by Liquid Molding Method

In this study, 31 wt.% B₄C/Al plate is prepared successfully by liquid molding method, with the processes of powder surface treatment, melt modification, stirred and dispersed liquid molding and casting rolling. Comprehensive tests and analysis showed that the B₄C particles are dispersed uniformly in the matrix of the plate prepared by liquid molding method. Preferred orientation distribution of the boron carbide particles does not occur during rolling. A tight interface maintains between B₄C particles and the Al matrix. The average area density of ¹⁰B in the plate is 0.0372g/cm² and maintains uniformly. The high temperature accelerated corrosion test results which simulated the spent fuel pool showed that the plate corrosion weight change is less than 0.5% after 8000 h. The effect of radiation on the properties of the sheet is limited due to the low cumulative dose during service and the structure of the material.