High neutron-absorbing refractory compositions of matter and methods for their manufacture

Abstract

Neutron absorbing refractory B.sub.4 C--Gd and Gd.sub.2 O.sub.3 --Gd cermets, B.sub.4 C--Gd and Gd.sub.2 O.sub.3 --Gd metal-matrix composites, and B.sub.4 C--Gd.sub.2 O.sub.3 ceramic-ceramic composites can be manufactured by applying fundamental thermodynamic and kinetic guidelines as processing principals. Three steps are involved in the fabrication of these new compositions of matter. First, the starting materials are consolidated into a compacted porous green body. Next, the green body is densified using the appropriate method depending on the class of material sought: cermet, metal-matrix composite, or ceramic-ceramic composite. Finally, either during the densification process or by subsequent heat treatment, new phase evolution is obtained via interfacial chemical reactions occurring in the microstructures. The existence of a new phase has been identified in B.sub.4 C--Gd and B.sub.4 C--Gd.sub.2 O.sub.3 composites.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.