From waste to defense: Cost-efficient upcycling of boron mud to nuclear radiation shielding

Abstract

Boron mud, a byproduct of the boron industry, contains a complex mixture of acids/alkalis, valuable components, and hazardous substances. Its recycling has been largely confined to laboratory research due to prohibitive costs and high energy consumption. A cost-efficient methodology based on room-temperature mixing process is introduced for the mixture of boron mud and epoxy resin to produce nuclear radiation shielding composites (BMERCs). BMERCs demonstrate shielding performance comparable to high-end composites. The study provides a deep understanding of the relationships between neutron energy attenuation capabilities and the composition of boron mud, identifying hydrogen and boron as the primary elements contributing to neutron attenuation. Regression models were developed based on the dual-level mechanisms to enhance the fabrication of BMERCs, aiming to achieve optimal shielding performance for future application. This study demonstrates the feasibility of transforming boron mud into valuable nuclear radiation shielding composites using simplified, and low-cost techniques.