The Role of Replacing CdO by Fe<sub>2</sub>O<sub>3</sub> on the Fast Neutron Removal Cross Sections in Cd-Boro Phosphate Glass Shield

Abstract

This work deals with the application of [MERCSF-N] computer program in calculating the macroscopic effective removal cross-section of fast neutrons, Σ R (cm −1), for two different boro phosphate glass systems: (0.5-x) CdO-x Fe 2 O 3-0.4 P 2 O 5-0.1 B 2 O 3 and (0.5-x) B 2 O 3-x Fe 2 O 3-0.1 CdO-0.4 P 2 O 5 (with 0.05 ≤ x ≤ 0.5 by mole), to realize from the role of iron in the attenuation process and hence the usefulness of the glass containing iron as neutrons shielding material. The effect of replacing cadmium and boron oxides by iron oxide has been analyzed which proved that iron is more efficient than cadmium in attenuating and removing fast neutrons and that the presence of small amounts of B 2 O 3 at least 0.1 mole fraction, with iron is needed to aid improving the removal cross-section of iron phosphate glasses. Experimental IR results are developed and used to trace the structural change and confirm the role of iron in the removal cross section.

Design and fabrication of a Nano-based neutron shield for fast neutrons from medical linear accelerators in radiation therapy

“…To eliminate these neutrons, shields such as concrete, B 4 C, and other materials have been designed to efficiently remove thermal neutrons [6,21,36]. Other materials such as Fe 3 O 4 are utilized for shielding fast neutrons [17,26]. Recent investigations have reported the advantage and higher efficiency of composite shields with fine and nano-sized particles over larger or microsized particles as neutron shields [21][22][23].…”

“…Several studies have been conducted on the application of novel shielding materials for neutrons [16][17][18], most of which aimed to shield thermal neutrons to prevent these neutrons from emitting out of treatment rooms [19][20][21]. In recent studies, new composites have been applied for neutron shielding, and various particle sizes have been utilized as filters in different base materials for thermal neutron shielding, including micro-and nano-sized boron carbide and dense polyethylene [5,7,22].…”

“…According to several studies, composites containing nano-boron such as boron carbide, lead borate, and bismuth borate have been used for thermal neutron attenuation due to the high cross-section of boron as a neutron absorber. Iron oxide has shown high efficiency in attenuating and eliminating fast neutrons [17,25,26]. In this study, a double-layer shield consisting of nano-iron oxide and nano-boron carbide was designed to attenuate photoneutrons with a broad energy range, which is the novelty of the present study.…”