BORATED POLYMER COMPOSITE FOR FAST-NEUTRON SHIELDING (AMERICIUM-BERYLLIUM SOURCE)

Neutrons from a americium-beryllium source with a source strength of 5 Ci have been examined for shielding using a berated polymer composite formulated of baryte and quartz as strengtheners. It is observed that there is a considerable dose reduction and spectral hardening leading to energy degradations. Various sources of americium have been tried with a target nucleus of beryllium in this experiment for a qualitativ e estimation of dose reduction, The peaks in the spectra reveal the re sidual carbon C-6(12) nucleus due to excited neutrons. Use of boron fo r neutron capture capability and low-Z element polymers for high elast ic scattering cross section has contributed to the energy reduction as per the spectrum.