Lightweight concrete with enhanced neutron shielding
A lightweight concrete containing polyethylene terephthalate in an amount of 20% by total volume. The concrete is enriched with hydrogen and is therefore highly effective at thermalizing neutrons. The concrete can be used independently or as a component of an advanced neutron radiation shielding system.
1. A lightweight concrete with neutron shielding, said concrete comprising:
a) portland cement;
b) fly ash;
c) essentially 51% polyethylene terephthalate by weight relative to the weight of the cement component of the mixture;
d) coarse aggregate;
e) sand; and
f) water.
2. A lightweight concrete with neutron shielding comprising:
20% polyethylene terephthalate plastic by volume; and
a hydrogen content of 4% by volume.
3. The lightweight concrete of claim 2 wherein said concrete further comprises a unit weight in the range of 110-115 pounds per cubic foot.