Effect of Neutron Irradiation on Length, Thermal Expansivity and Thermal Conductivity of Boronated Graphites

Abstract

Two kinds of hot-pressed and cold-pressed boronated graphites, of which boron contents are 3wt%and 30wt%, were irradiated up to a maximum neutron fluence 2×10²⁵n/m² (E>29fJ) at 550-1070°Cin the JMTR (Japan Materials Testing Reactor).
Irradiation-induced changes in length, thermal expansivity and thermal conductivity were measured after the irradiation. The changes depended on the direction measured and the fabrication method inaddition to irradiation conditions. Thermal conductivity decreased and its temperature dependence changed after the irradiation.