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Division Spotlight
Nuclear Criticality Safety
NCSD provides communication among nuclear criticality safety professionals through the development of standards, the evolution of training methods and materials, the presentation of technical data and procedures, and the creation of specialty publications. In these ways, the division furthers the exchange of technical information on nuclear criticality safety with the ultimate goal of promoting the safe handling of fissionable materials outside reactors.
Meeting Spotlight
Conference on Nuclear Training and Education: A Biennial International Forum (CONTE 2025)
February 3–6, 2025
Amelia Island, FL|Omni Amelia Island Resort
Standards Program
The Standards Committee is responsible for the development and maintenance of voluntary consensus standards that address the design, analysis, and operation of components, systems, and facilities related to the application of nuclear science and technology. Find out What’s New, check out the Standards Store, or Get Involved today!
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Fusion Science and Technology
Latest News
Ontario eyes new nuclear development
A 1,300-acre site left undeveloped on the shores of Lake Ontario four decades ago could see new life as the home to a large nuclear facility.
K. Dale, N. Vargas, A. Jara, E. Marin, G. Lovelace, N. Langley, J. Williams, T. Reuter, C. Kong, C. Monton, N. Alexander, M. Farrell, W. Sweet
Fusion Science and Technology | Volume 79 | Number 7 | October 2023 | Pages 870-878
Research Article | doi.org/10.1080/15361055.2023.2169547
Articles are hosted by Taylor and Francis Online.
Boron-doped nanowires have promising applications in inertial confinement fusion. Developing an effective fabrication method for boron-doped nanowires is necessary for further investigation into their use as targets. In this paper, we examine a fabrication method that maximizes wire length and boron composition while minimizing fabrication time. Two boron-containing nanoparticles—pure boron and boron nitride nanoparticles—were used as dopants for two possible wire materials: General Atomics–Carbon-Hydrogen (GA-CH) aerogel and carbon-hydrogen (CH) polymer. Anodic aluminum oxide (AAO) templates were used to imprint the materials with nanowires. This study used a five-step fabrication process: (1) synthesis of boron or boron nitride–doped CH material (polymer and aerogel), (2) heat pressing of the doped material into the AAO template, (3) etching away the AAO template, (4) solvent exchanging, and (5) drying. Various boron compositions (in atomic percent), heat pressing temperatures, and heat pressing injection depths were tested to determine the best conditions for wire fabrication. Data collected using scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive spectroscopy mapping demonstrated that the most successful wires were the boron nitride–doped CH polymer nanowires (7.33 at. % boron) at an injection depth of 0.3960 mm. However, the aerogel material has a greater ability than polymer to disperse the boron nitride nanoparticles, making it more ideal for nanowires. Although the boron nitride–doped aerogel nanowires were unsuccessful, the findings of this study provide promising guidance for future aerogel nanowire fabrication.