Publication: Study of moderator (Collimator) materials for boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT) facilities
Date
2016
Authors
Muhammed Ariff Mohd Sarif
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Abstract
The Malaysian TRIGA Mark II reactor was investigated for this research. The objective of this research is to study the moderator (collimator) materials for Boron Neutron Capture Therapy (BNCT) facilities proposed. The experiment was conducted by using Small Angle Neutron Scattering (SANS) beam as the neutron source. The materials used as the sample was Steel slab, Aluminum slab, Cadmium slab, Lead slab, Boron Carbide (B,C), Plasticine Clay, Water, Concrete slab, Polyethylene, and Paraffin. The samples were irradiated by using SANS neutron and the fluxes of neutron with energies were measured using MICROSPEC-Spectrometer detector. The neutron spectrum profiles for each sample were recorded and compared for the purpose of analyzing the materials characteristic. Based on the results, Paraffin possesses the highest thermal peaks, followed by Concrete and Steel. The experiment result analysis was continued with neutron penetration and attenuation coefficient measurement for each sample. Cadmium slab shows the highest attenuation coefficient value, follows by Polyethylene and Water respectively. Neutron cross section analysis was also conducted based on the data collected from the experiment. The highest scattering cross section is demonstrated by Water followed by Polyethylene. The lowest was Paraffin. The highest absorption cross section is demonstrated by Cadmium and the lowest was Boron Carbide. Weight ratio used to determine the material characteristics on acting as the good neutron moderator. Polyethylene possesses the highest ratio, followed by Water and Paraffin. Based on results and analysis, BNCT facility is proposed to be consisting of three different materials, combining of Paraffin, Polyethylene and Water. Neutron shielding elements surrounding the collimator should be a combination of Cadmium and Boron Carbide. The structural frame of BNCT facility is suggested to consist of Concrete, Steel and Aluminum, due to the materials capabilities and the cost factor.
Description
TP245.B6 M83 2016
Keywords
Boron -- Biotechnology