Thermal properties of some boron-rich compounds (‘‘BnC’’ and AlB12)

Abstract

Among the boron rich materials, boron carbide B4C is presently the preferred neutron absorber for nuclear reactors but other boron‐rich compounds are of potential interest. We present here a study of some of the crucial properties for in‐reactor behavior: thermal conductivity and mechanical properties (Young modulus), for such compounds: boron‐rich boron carbides ‘‘BnC’’ and aluminium boride AlB12 as compared with industrial B4C.