Calculation of fast neutron removal cross-sections for some compounds and materials

Shielding materials usually contain some well-known compounds or substances. Thus, construction of a database for the effective fast neutrons mass removal cross-sections, ΣR/ρ (cm2 g-1), for these compounds and materials will facilitate the shielding design problem. In this work, building of such database for different compounds and materials which have been widely used in shielding media has been suggested. Furthermore, a short version of this database was given. It includes the calculated values of ΣR/ρ (cm2 g-1) and ΣR (cm-1) for some common compounds found in concrete, Portland cement clinker, iron ores and polymers. By using this database, a quick short hand calculation method for rough estimation of macroscopic removal cross-section ΣR for these materials can be developed. It is interesting to note that considerable removal cross-section values for PVC, PP, PA6, PA6/6, PA6/10, PA11 and PPS polymers were noticed. © 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.