• Proceedings of the Materials Research Society of Korea Conference
• /
• 2011.05a
• /
• pp.15-15
• /
• 2011

As you know, boron compounds, borax ($Na_2B_4O_5(OH)_4{\cdot}8H_2O$) etc. were known thousands of years ago. As for natural boron, it has two naturally occurring and stable isotopes, boron 11 ($^{11}B$) and boron 10 ($^{10}B$). The neutron absorption $^{10}B$ is included about 19~20% with 80~81% $^{11}B$. Boron is similar to carbon in its capability to form stable covalently bonded molecular networks. The mass difference results in a wide range of ${\beta}$ values between the $^{11}B$ and $^{10}B$. The $^{10}B$ isotope, stable with 5 neutrons is excellent at capturing thermal neutrons. For example, it is possible to decrease a thermal neutron required for the nuclear reaction of uranium 235 ($^{235}U$). If $^{10}B$ absorbs a neutron ($^1n$), it will change to $^7Li+^1{\alpha}$ (${\alpha}$ ray, like $^4He$) with prompt ${\gamma}$ ray from $^{11}B$ $^{11}B$ (equation 1). $$^{10}B+^1n\;{\rightarrow}\;^{11}B\;{\rightarrow}\; prompt \;{\gamma}\;ray (478 keV), \;^7Li+4{\alpha}\;(4He)\;\;\;\;{\cdots}\; (1)$$ If about 1% boron is added to stainless steel, it is known that a neutron shielding effect will be 3 times the boron free steel. Enriched boron or $^{10}B$ is used in both radiation shielding and in boron neutron capture therapy. Then, $^{10}B$ is used for reactivity control and in emergency shutdown systems in nuclear reactors. Furthermore, boron carbide, $B_4C$, is used as the charge of a nuclear fission reaction control rod material and neutron cover material for nuclear reactors. The $B_4C$ powder of natural B composition is used as a charge of a control material of a boiling water reactor (BWR) which occupies commercial power reactors in nuclear power generation. The $B_4C$ sintered body which adjusted $^{10}B$ concentration is used as a charge of a control material of the fast breeder reactor (FBR) currently developed aiming at establishment of a nuclear fuel cycle. In this study for new boron compound, silicon boride ceramics for capturing thermal neutrons, preparation and characterization of both silicon tetraboride ($SiB_4$) and silicon hexaboride ($SiB_6$) and ceramics produced by sintering were investigated in order to determine the suitability of this material for nuclear power generation. The relative density increased with increasing sintering temperature. With a sintering temperature of 1,923 K, a sintered body having a relative density of more than 99% was obtained. The Vickers hardness increased with increasing sintering temperature. The best result was a Vickers hardness of 28 GPa for the $SiB_6$ sintered at 1,923K for 1 h. The high temperature Vickers hardness of the $SiB_6$ sintered body changed from 28 to 12 GPa in the temperature range of room temperature to 1,273 K. The thermal conductivity of the SiB6 sintered body changed from 9.1 to 2.4 W/mK in the range of room temperature to 1,273 K.

• Journal of the Korea Society of Computer and Information
• /
• v.29 no.4
• /
• pp.183-189
• /
• 2024

Against the backdrop of IMO's stricter environmental regulations due to global warming, Europe's Fit for 55 plan, and other initiatives, the establishment of infrastructure for the supply of environmentally friendly marine fuels and policy analysis are more critical than ever. This study comprehensively analyzes existing research and policies on the supply of environmentally friendly marine fuels, as well as trends in regulations, industry responses, and the current status of infrastructure for the supply of environmentally friendly fuels, to draw insightful conclusions. The results show that the establishment of infrastructure for the supply of environmentally friendly fuels is as important as the introduction of environmentally friendly ships, due to the strengthening of environmental regulations. LNG is a viable option in the short term, but a transition to carbon-free fuels is necessary in the long run. In this regard, a strategic approach is needed to focus support on fuels that are advantageous to produce, considering domestic industrial conditions from a long-term perspective. Therefore, the government should actively promote infrastructure development through measures such as supporting the development and supply of environmentally friendly fuels, improving regulations and providing incentives, attracting private investment, and strengthening international cooperation. This study is expected to serve as a valuable resource for setting policy directions for the transition to an environmentally friendly maritime industry. Future research will include a comparative analysis of the economic viability of environmentally friendly fuels and basic research on the selection of fuels that are advantageous to Korea.