New composite material based on heavy concrete reinforced by basalt-boron fiber for radioactive waste management

A new composite material with neutron radiation shielding properties is presented. This fiber reinforced concrete material incorporates basalt-boron fiber, with different concentrations of boron oxide in fiber, and is applicable to nuclear energy and nuclear waste management. The methodology for production of boron oxide (B₂O₃) infused basalt fiber has been developed. First experimental samples of basalt boron fiber containing 6% of B₂O₃ and 12% B₂O₃ have been produced in laboratory conditions. The concrete samples reinforced by two types of basalt-boron fiber with different dosages have been prepared for neutron experiment. The neutron experimental investigations on radiation shielding properties of concrete reinforced by basalt-boron fiber have been performed by means of Pu-Be neutron source. The prepared samples have been tested in the course of several series of tests. It is shown that basalt-boron fibers in concrete improve neutron radiation shielding properties for neutrons with different energies, but it appears to be most effective when it comes to thermal neutrons. (authors)