Multifunctional surfacing materials for use in composite structures are disclosed. According to one embodiment, the surfacing material includes (a) a stiffening layer, (b) a curable resin layer, (c) a conductive layer, and (d) a nonwoven layer, wherein the stiffening layer (a) and the nonwoven layer (d) are outermost layers, and the exposed surfaces of the outermost layers are substantially tack-free at room temperature (20° C. to 25° C.). The conductive layer may be interposed between the curable resin layer and the stiffening layer or embedded in the curable resin layer. According to another embodiment, the surfacing material includes a fluid barrier film between two curable resin layers. The surfacing materials may be in the form of a continuous or elongated tape that is suitable for automated placement.

Collimators and other components for use in neutron scattering experiments or to provide neutron shielding in nuclear reactors or accelerator based neutron sources are produced by additive manufacturing from neutron absorbing material, such as boron carbide (B.sub.4C) or isotopically enriched boron carbide (.sup.10B).

Collimators and other components for use in neutron scattering experiments or to provide neutron shielding in nuclear reactors or accelerator based neutron sources are produced by additive manufacturing from neutron absorbing material, such as boron carbide (B.sub.4C) or isotopically enriched boron carbide (.sup.10B).

Radiation shielding and methods of manufacture are disclosed. A radiation shielding apparatus includes a matrix including matrix material; and a mixture positioned in the matrix, the mixture including: a neutron thermalizing material; and a neutron absorbing material mixed with the neutron thermalizing material. A reactivity control system includes a container rotatable around an axis; a divider positioned inside the container to define two or more compartments within the container; at least one neutron absorber positioned in at least one of the two or more compartments; and at least one neutron reflector positioned in another of the two or more compartments that is fluidly isolated from the at least one of the two or more compartments. A method of manufacturing radiation shielding material includes: fabricating a matrix; generating a mixture by mixing a neutron absorbing material, a neutron thermalizing material, and additive materials; and loading the mixture into the matrix.

A MgF.sub.2—CaF.sub.2 binary system sintered body for a radiation moderator having a compact polycrystalline structure excellent in radiation moderation performance, especially neutron moderation performance, comprises MgF.sub.2 containing CaF.sub.2 from 0.2% by weight to 90% by weight inclusive, having a bulk density of 2.96 g/cm.sup.3 or more, and a bending strength of 15 MPa or more and a Vickers hardness of 90 or more as regards mechanical strengths.

A MgF.sub.2—CaF.sub.2 binary system sintered body for a radiation moderator having a compact polycrystalline structure excellent in radiation moderation performance, especially neutron moderation performance, comprises MgF.sub.2 containing CaF.sub.2 from 0.2% by weight to 90% by weight inclusive, having a bulk density of 2.96 g/cm.sup.3 or more, and a bending strength of 15 MPa or more and a Vickers hardness of 90 or more as regards mechanical strengths.

The Radiation shield comprises one or more passive elements. A material having a high internal electric field is used to intensify the shielding effect. The material internal electric field generates a force that slows and/or diverts the incoming particle. The charged particle transfers kinetic energy into the shielding material. The charged particle slows down/diverts away from the protected direction. The incoming particle also interacts with the material transferring energy through traditional interactions. The path of the particle within the protective material can be lengthen. The shield can be combined with other passive shields that would maximize the electric deceleration effect and absorbs energy from the incoming particle. The shield can take different shapes, textures and colors, can also be included into other materials and its material be used for dual purposes.

The Radiation shield comprises one or more passive elements. A material having a high internal electric field is used to intensify the shielding effect. The material internal electric field generates a force that slows and/or diverts the incoming particle. The charged particle transfers kinetic energy into the shielding material. The charged particle slows down/diverts away from the protected direction. The incoming particle also interacts with the material transferring energy through traditional interactions. The path of the particle within the protective material can be lengthen. The shield can be combined with other passive shields that would maximize the electric deceleration effect and absorbs energy from the incoming particle. The shield can take different shapes, textures and colors, can also be included into other materials and its material be used for dual purposes.

Various configurations of shielding materials within shielding layers, such as for use in shielding radiation from implanted radioactive carriers, are discussed herein.

An apparatus for a nuclear detector of a downhole tool and method of manufacturing the apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus includes a single multi-metallic component manufactured using additive manufacturing, wherein the component includes at least a first material having a first density and a second material having a second density. The method includes using additive manufacturing to form the component so that the component includes at least a first material having a first density and a second material having a second density and the first material and the second material form the single multi-metallic component.