Research

Dr. Konashi has proposed a new hydride neutron absorber of nuclearreactor based on the results of irradiation experiments in JMTR of JAEA. A metal-hydride has very high hydrogen atom density, which is equivalent to that of liquid water. Fast neutrons in nuclear reactors are efficiently moderated and are absorbed in the metal-hydride. The Hafnium hydride and Gd hydride are considered as neutron absorber in FBR (Fast Breeder Reactor). The development program of hydride neutron absorber has been started, which is accepted as an innovative nuclear research and development program of Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology of Japan. The program will be accomplished in 2009, with the budget of about 400 million yen. This is published as an article of The Nikkan Kogyou Shimbun on Sep. 6, being expected to be useful for reduction of cost and nuclear wastes.