Functional characterization of neutron-shielding materials

Abstract Various kinds of materials are being developed for neutron-shielding application. The applicability of such materials is specific to their utilization and as per the neutron energy range. The neutron-shielding capabilities of the developed materials need to be characterized to ensure functional behavior. The characterization validates the materials for their applicability and assists in improvisation. It is also helpful for the design of a new material for specific neutron-shielding application. The shielding characterization process helps throughout the material development to arrive on a best optimized composition. The characterization can be assessed using numerical estimations as well as experimental observations. The numerical process and experimental techniques of the shielding capability assessment have been compressively described in the chapter. The dependency on the shielding capabilities of the materials due to the presence of specific elementals is presented with interaction cross-section data. Shielding efficiency has been elaborated in terms of a macroscopic cross section of interaction and absorption of a neutron in the material. The technique to measure the actual shielding efficiency using the lab-scale experiments with neutron source has been a widely accepted method. The neutron sources and diagnostics play an important role to evaluate the shielding efficiency. The details of experimental technique, neutron source, and diagnostics are described here to provide a complete picture of the evaluation of shielding.