A neutron poison (also called a 'neutron absorber' or a 'nuclear poison') is a substance with a large neutron absorption cross-section, in applications such as nuclear reactors. In such applications, absorbing neutrons is normally an undesirable effect. However neutron-absorbing materials, also called poisons, are intentionally inserted into some types of reactors in order to lower the high reactivity of their initial fresh fuel load. Some of these poisons deplete as they absorb neutrons during reactor operation, while others remain relatively constant.
The capture of neutrons by short half-life fission products is known as reactor poisoning; neutron capture by long-lived or stable fission products is called reactor slagging.
Read more about Neutron Poison: Transient Fission Product Poisons, Accumulating Fission Product Poisons, Decay Poisons, Control Poisons
Famous quotes containing the word poison:
“The one conclusive argument that has at all times discouraged people from drinking a poison is not that it kills but rather that it tastes bad.”
—Friedrich Nietzsche (1844–1900)