Mechanical properties and thermal neutron shielding efficiency of high B amorphous ribbons in the Fe-B-Mo-Cr system

For thermal neutron shielding applications, high boron amorphous ribbons with the compositions of Fe_72-xB₂₅-Mo₃Cr_x (where x = 0, 5, 10, 15 or 20 at%) have been developed. From the morphological and compositional analysis of vein patterns formed on the fracture surfaces of the ribbons, the segregation of boron within shear band regions was identified and discussed with reference to “free volume concentration” and “temperature rise” models that had been proposed independently. High boron amorphous ribbons with optimum amounts of Cr exhibit excellent thermal neutron shielding efficiency in combination with mechanical properties such as tensile strength and bending flexibility. Moreover, corrosion resistance of the amorphous ribbons can be effectively enhanced through proper Cr additions, thereby expanding their structural applications in the nuclear industry.