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. Boron Carbide powder is the best nuclear radiation absorber for high and low level nuclear waste containers.
Boron Carbide Powder for Nuclear Applications is meticulously produced in separately controlled lots in strict compliance with NQA1 requirements.
Typical Technical Data
| Appearance | Color | Black |
| Chemical composition: | Chemical formula: | B4C Application |
| Grade | NG (Nuclear) | |
| B + C min. | 98 | |
| B (Boron) min. | 76 | |
| C (Carbon) max. | 24 | |
| B2 O3 | 0.1 | |
| Fe (Iron) max. | 0.1 | |
| Si (Silicon) | 0.02 | |
| 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 ⁰ F | |
| Structure: | Monocrystalline |
Standard Nuclear Grade Powders for various Nuclear Applications
| Grade | Average Particle Size | Typical Application | Note | |
| 1 | NG112M | 112 micron | Additive to concrete | B<70% |
| 2 | NG36L | 36 micron | B<70″% | |
| 3 | NG24H | 24 micron | B>76% | |
| 4 | NG24HE | 24 micron | B>76% + Enhanced Heat Transfer Capability | |
| 5 | NG100H | 100 micron | Reaction Control | B>76% |
| 6 | NG100HE | 100 micron | Rods, etc. | B>76% + Enhanced Heat Transfer Capability |
| 7 | NG6H | 6 micron | B>76% | |
| 8 | NG6HE | 6 micron | B>76% + Enhanced Heat Transfer Capability |