LAUSR

Abstract In this study, a novel (20 wt% B4C+6061Al)/Cf/6061Al neutron-shielding layer composite was successfully designed and fabricated by the Monte Carlo particle transport programme (MCNP) and spark plasma sintering, respectively. The MCNP simulation and thermal-neutron-shielding test results show that the shielding performance of the (20 wt% B4C+6061Al)/Cf/6061Al composite improved by 6% compared with the 20 wt% B4C/6061Al composite and is approximately equal to that of the 30 wt% B4C/6061Al composite. The B4C particles were homogeneously distributed in the B4C/6061Al neutron absorption layer, and the neutron absorption layer, reflection layer and moderation layer were tightly connected. The neutron reflection layer Cf increases the reflection times of the thermal neutron, which results in the decrease in neutron energy and promotes the neutron absorption. Thermal neutrons are mainly absorbed by the 10B (n, α)7Li transmutation reaction in the neutron absorption layer. The high modulus and axial strength of Cf and the good plasticity of the 6061 Al matrix contribute to the good mechanical properties of the (B4C+6061Al)/Cf/6061Al composite. The tensile strength and strain of the (B4C+6061Al)/Cf/6061Al composite are 245 MPa and 14%, respectively.