Neutron Absorption Capabilities of Turkish Colemanite Minerals

Abstract

In this study the.colemanite minerals which can be found in Turkey are classified according to their contents of B2O3 and Ca, their radioactivity behaviors due to neutron radiation, their neutron shielding efficiencies and the effect of mineral thickness on neutron shielding efficiency. The investigation was carried out with colemanite, colemanite with clay, and colemanite with arsenic minerals from the regions of Bigadic, Emet, and Kestelek. The colemanite minerals were analyzed without any pretreatment. After carrying out the XRD (X-Ray Diffraction) analysis of the minerals, their B2O3 and Ca contents were investigated. In addition, the XRF (X-Ray Florescence) analysis was made for quantitative determination. Furthermore, a Howitzer neutron permeability experiment was made. As a result, the maximum B2O3 content was found in Bigadic Colemanite with clay and the maximum Ca content was found in Bigadic Colemanite. Colemanite from the Kestelek region yielded the highest neutron radiation absorption value among the other minerals.