Shandong Huayi Tech New Materials Co., Ltd. (Huayi) today announced the successful completion and delivery of the first batch of Boron Carbide (B₄C) Neutron Shielding Blocks for the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER)-the world's largest and most ambitious nuclear fusion research project.

The delivered B₄C shielding blocks have arrived at the ITER site in Cadarache, France, following rigorous factory acceptance tests conducted under ITER's quality assurance framework.

Critical Component for Fusion Reactor Shielding

Boron Carbide is widely recognized as an ideal neutron-absorbing material due to its high neutron absorption cross-section, wide energy spectrum absorption capability, and lack of strong secondary radiation after neutron capture. These properties make B₄C shielding blocks essential components for protecting diagnostic equipment and maintaining safe operation within the ITER vacuum vessel.

Huayi's B₄C shielding blocks are designed for integration into Diagnostic Shield Modules (DSMs) and Shielding Trays (ST) , which fill the internal space of ITER's equatorial and upper port plugs. The shielding trays consist of 316L(N) austenitic stainless steel frames with B₄C blocks symmetrically mounted on both sides using pre-stressed fasteners – requiring the blocks to be used in matched pairs.

Meeting ITER's Stringent Technical Requirements

The manufacturing of B₄C shielding blocks for ITER presents significant technical challenges:

High density requirements to ensure effective neutron attenuation

Precision dimensional control

Consistent chemical composition

Excellent thermal stability to withstand the vacuum vessel environment

Full traceability of all manufacturing parameters and quality control data

As a company specializing in inorganic non‑metallic nano‑materials and advanced ceramics, Huayi leveraged its full‑industry‑chain production capabilities – from raw material synthesis and powder processing to ceramic sintering and precision machining – to meet these demanding specifications.

Independent Verification and Quality Assurance

All delivered B₄C shielding blocks passed independent inspections by ITER‑designated authorities. Key performance indicators, including density, boron content, dimensional accuracy, and neutron shielding efficiency, were verified to meet or exceed ITER's technical specifications.

The acceptance process followed ITER's nuclear safety‑based quality management system, which requires documented evidence at every stage – from raw material certification to final cleaning and packaging.