Effect of Boron Carbide Addition on the Strength and Physical Properties of Concrete

Abstract

Concrete currently has become a conventional material in construction of nuclear reactor due to its properties such as safety, strength and economical in cost. Boron carbide (B4C) was used as additives in concrete are characterized as a good neutron absorber for nuclear reactor applications. The effect of B4C addition on physical and strength properties of concrete samples were investigated. The samples were prepared with three different weight percent (wt%) of B4C powder. The concrete slump tests of fresh concrete have been done to investigate the workability of mixtures. Free B4C mixture shows the highest workability compare to 5 and 20 wt% B4C concrete mixture. The density of 0 wt% of B4C is the lowest compared to 5 and 20 wt%. However, after 28 days curing time, the compressive strength test of 20 wt% B4C shows the highest value compare to 5 and 0 wt% B4C concrete respectively. It is obvious that up to 20 wt% B4C can be added to concrete mixture and cause significant strength increases.