Gadolinium Oxide neutron absorbing cores

Neutron Absorption and Nuclear Performance

Extremely high thermal neutron absorption cross-section: Gadolinium oxide (Gd₂O₃) is one of the materials with the highest thermal neutron absorption cross-section in nature (~49,000 barns), far surpassing materials such as boron carbide (B₄C) and silicon carbide (SiC) in terms of thermal neutron capture and absorption efficiency, thereby effectively terminating chain reactions.

Radiation stability: It maintains good structural integrity in strong radiation fields, with slow performance degradation and a long service life.

Low radioactive byproducts: Compared to other neutron-absorbing materials (such as europium oxide), the radioactive isotopes produced by gadolinium oxide after neutron absorption are relatively stable, making subsequent handling simpler.

High temperature performance and thermal stability

High Melting Point: The melting point exceeds 2400°C, allowing for structural stability in high-temperature reactors or high-temperature process environments.

High Temperature Strength and Creep Resistance: It can maintain high mechanical strength and hardness at elevated temperatures, exhibiting good resistance to thermal creep and is not easily deformed.

Chemical and Physical Stability

Chemical Inertia: Exhibits excellent corrosion resistance against various molten metals (such as uranium, plutonium, and other nuclear fuels) and high-temperature chemical environments.

Low Thermal Expansion Coefficient: The thermal expansion coefficient is well-matched with many alloys and ceramics, helping to reduce thermal stress during thermal cycling.