Neutron-Absorbing, Radiation Shielding, Sealing Foam for Advancing Particle Accelerator Capabilities

The Department of Energy (DOE) High Energy Physics (HEP) program seeks development of technologies to reduce machine size and cost, and to develop new concepts and capabilities that further scientific and commercial needs beyond HEP’s discovery science mission. InnoSense LLC (ISL) will develop radiation resistant foam and putty to encapsulate the NuMI 2 horn and other large radioactive object s during short term storage and shipping to a permanent disposal site. General statement of how this problem is being addressed: During the proposed project, the company will develop polyurethane-silicone matrix foams with various additives be delivered to Fermilab for evaluation in Phase I, for the NuMI project. The foam composition and structure will be optimized for radiation resistance NoRaLFoam™ to withstand >1 MegaGray for 1-3 months and prevent release of friable or spalled materials from large bulky radioactive objects during the shipping and short term storage needed to transport to deposition at a sequestration site. What is to be done in Phase I: Polyurethane-silicone matrix foams will be formulated with additives to produce a composition and structure to block beta and gamma radiation, as well as have sufficient strength to hold spalling and other relatively small particles from escaping dueling transport and storage. Testing of the raw materials will be done to characterize microstructure, and foam properties. At least four (4) samples will be delivered to Fermilab for their evaluation by the end of Phase I. Commercial applications and other benefits: Radiation resistant foam can prevent release of radioactive material from mechanical spalling and abrasion of bulking items when shifting in containers during transport. This material can assist in reducing the cost and increase the safety of handling radioactive materials during ransport. Lower cost and more efficient radioactive material sequestration during transport will reduce the need for radioactive hazardous materials cleanup in the event of unwanted nuclear materials release. This material can be used for both civilian and military shipment of radioactive bulky items not only within the United States but worldwide, as well. Key words: High Energy Physics, radiation resistant foam, radiation resistant foam and putty, Fermilab, polyurethane-silicone matrix foams, beta radiation, gamma radiation, neutron