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The role of boron during nuclear leak

Q: I read in some news reports that Pakistan imported Boron from Egypt after India's attack on its military installations? Some are speculating that its nuclear storage sites were hit. In what way boron helps during nuclear leakage?

Krishna: Well, India says it didn't hit Pakistan's nuclear storage sites. We don't know whether any nuclear weapons were stored in the military sites India hit. This is all speculation.

If India hits Pakistan's nuclear sites, the radiation will not be limited to that place only. Depending on the amount leaked, it spreads. India will also get affected. I don't think any responsible country will do such a foolish thing now. And India is a responsible country.

There was no radiation leak or release from any nuclear facility in Pakistan, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) said on on 14th May, 2025, rejecting widespread reports that claimed Indian missiles struck Kirana Hills in Pakistan's Sargodha district during Operation Sindoor, triggering a radioactive incident. (1)

It's difficult to say definitively whether Pakistan ordered or imported "Boron" from Egypt, in response to the recent Indian attack.

So let us focus on the main question now.

Boron, particularly in the form of boron carbide, is sprinkled after a nuclear accident, like the one at Chernobyl, to act as a neutron absorber and prevent a renewed chain reaction. This helps to stabilize the situation and reduce the release of radioactive material. Boron's effectiveness as a neutron absorber stems from its atomic structure, allowing it to capture neutrons during the fission process, thus slowing or stopping the reaction.

Boron is used after a nuclear leak, specifically as a neutron absorber, to help slow down or stop the nuclear fission reaction. This is because boron, especially the isotope 10B, has a high affinity for absorbing neutrons, preventing them from continuing the chain reaction.

Dolomite was also added during the Chernobyl leak to act as heat sink and a source of carbon dioxide to smother the fire. Lead was included as a radiation absorber, as well as sand and clay which it was hoped would prevent the release of particulates. While it was later discovered that many of these compounds were not actually dropped on the target, they may have acted as thermal insulators and precipitated an increase in the temperature of the damaged core leading to a further release of radionuclides a week later.

Here's a more detailed explanation:

Neutron Absorber:

In a nuclear reaction, neutrons are released when uranium atoms split. These neutrons can then cause other uranium atoms to split, leading to a chain reaction. Boron has a high affinity for neutrons, meaning it readily absorbs them, which prevents further fission reactions.
Stabilizing the Reactor:

Sprinkling boron onto the damaged reactor core helps to stop the ongoing fission process and prevent the release of further radioactive material.
Controlled Reaction:

In normal reactor operation, boron control rods are used to regulate the fission reaction, keeping it stable and controlled.
Chernobyl's Use of Boron:

Following the Chernobyl disaster, boron carbide was dumped from helicopters to help control the fire and reduce the release of radioactive materials. Dolomite was also used to help control the fire and absorb heat.

This is why boron is frequently used and stored near nuclear reactors and weapons due to its ability to absorb neutrons, making it crucial for control rods, shielding, and emergency shutdown systems. Boron carbide, in particular, is a primary neutron absorber used in control rods within reactor cores. Nuclear power plants also keep boron on-site as a safeguard against emergencies. In addition to reactor control, boron is used for shielding and storing spent nuclear fuel.

The role of boron during nuclear leak

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