Neutron activation analysis of novel space shielding for terrestrial applications

Abstract

Appropriate disposition of nuclear waste is a high priority in the production of nuclear energy and its minimization is of great interest to the public. Employing the use of metal oxide infused conformal coatings as a shielding material in a terrestrial reactor should ideally produce nuclear wastes no higher than class B while also reducing the neutron activations (and thus waste classification) of any materials behind the shield. This allows for the increased likelihood of the ability to use on-site sequestration or minimal near-surface disposal, in lieu of geological repositories, and thus the potential for considerable cost savings.