• Nuclear Engineering and Technology
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• v.53 no.2
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• pp.626-636
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• 2021

Boron-neutron capture therapy (BNCT) is a cancer treatment method that exploits the high neutron reactivity of boron. Monitoring the prompt gamma rays (PGs) produced during neutron irradiation is essential for ensuring the accuracy and safety of BNCT. We investigate the imaging of PGs produced by the boron-neutron capture reaction through Monte Carlo simulations of a gamma camera with a SrI₂ scintillator and parallel-hole collimator. GAGG scintillator is also used for a comparison. The simulations allow the shapes of the energy spectra, which exhibit a peak at 478 keV, to be determined along with the PG images from a boron-water phantom. It is found that increasing the size of the water phantom results in a greater number of image counts and lower contrast. Additionally, a higher septal penetration ratio results in poorer image quality, and a SrI₂ scintillator results in higher image contrast. Thus, we can simulate the BNCT process and obtain an energy spectrum with a reasonable shape, as well as suitable PG images. Both GAGG and SrI₂ crystals are suitable for PG imaging during BNCT. However, for higher imaging quality, SrI₂ and a collimator with a lower septal penetration ratio should be utilized.

• Nuclear Engineering and Technology
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• v.55 no.7
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• pp.2613-2620
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• 2023

Excellent thermal neutron absorption performance of boron expands the potential use of boron rich slag to prepare epoxy resin matrix nuclear shielding composites. However, shielding attenuation behaviors and mechanism of the composites against gamma rays are unclear. Based on the radiation protection theory, Phy-X/PSD, XCOM, and ⁶⁰Co gamma ray source were integrated to obtain the shielding parameters of boron rich slag/epoxy resin composites at 0.015-15 MeV, which include mass attenuation coefficient (µ_t), linear attenuation coefficient (µ), half value thickness layer (HVL), electron density (N_eff), effective atomic number (Z_eff), exposure buildup factor (EBF) and exposure absorption buildup factor (EABF).µ_t, µ, HVL, N_eff, Z_eff, EBF and EABF are 0.02-7 cm²/g, 0.04-17 cm^-1, 0.045-20 cm, 5-14, 3 × 10²³-8 × 10²³ electron/g, 0-2000, and 0-3500. Shielding performance is BS4, BS3, BS3, BS1 in descending order, but worse than ordinary concrete. µ and HVL of BS1-BS4 for ⁶⁰Co gamma ray is 0.095-0.110 cm^-1 and 6.3-7.2 cm. Shielding mechanism is main interactions for attenuation gamma ray by BS1-BS4 are elements with higher content or higher atomic number via Photoelectric Absorption at low energy range, and elements with higher content via Compton Scattering and Pair Production in Nuclear Field at middle and higher energy range.

• Journal of the Korean Crystal Growth and Crystal Technology
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• v.11 no.3
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• pp.102-105
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• 2001

A parametric cmpariosn of etch rate and etch selectivity has been performed for GaN, InN and AIN etched in chlorine- and boron halides-based Inductively Coupled Plasma (ICP) discharges. Chlorine-based chemistries produced controllable etch rates (50~150 nm/min) and maximum etch selectivities ~6 for InN over GaN and ~10 for InN over AlN. Maximum etch selectivities of ~100 for InN over GaN and InN over AlN were obtained in boron halides-based discharges and smooth etched surface morphologies were also achieved.

• Journal of the Korean Wood Science and Technology
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• v.48 no.4
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• pp.513-526
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• 2020

The existing preservation methods are difficult to be applied to a large dimension log which is needed for making traditional wooden ship 'Jalur' in Riau Province. Novel techniques to provide the use of readily available species to replace traditional species alternative were investigated. These included infusion and a combination of injection and bandage-wrapping methods for preserving living trees of Balam (Macaranga conifera (Rchb.f. & Zoll.) Müll.Arg.) and Bintangor (Calophyllum soulattri Burm.f.). Water-based boron compounds were applied as wood preservatives. In total, 18 discs from the bottom, middle, and top of four trees and two controls were used. Trees undergoing treatment were also used to see how wood anatomical structure might affect the boron penetration. The overall aim was to identify the best method for use in Jalur manufacturing. The results showed that in infused Balam tree where the hose position for the preservative intake was deep (10-15 cm from the bark), no boron compound was observed in the outer sapwood. Combination of injection and bandage-wrapping method gave higher percentage of boron penetration at bottom and middle of Balam tree. However, infused Bintangor showed 100% boron penetration. The larger vessel diameter, the absence of tyloses, and the simple perforation plates in Bintangor wood were likely to have contributed to the higher penetration of boron. The combination of bandage-wrapping and infusion, or alternatively by infusing the living trees close to the bark, and at as low as position in the stem gives better protection when treatments are applied to living trees.

• Journal of Conservation Science
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• v.7 no.2
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• pp.60-67
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• 1998

The effects of moisture content (MC) and diffusion period on the diffusion of boron from borate rod through Pinus densiflora and P. koraiensis were investigated as a preliminary research of integrated remedial treatment for heritage wooden structures using borate rod. After equilibrating MCs of samples (15, 25, and 40%), borate rod (1,000 mg) was inserted into the sample, and stored for diffusion of boron at room temperatures ($23^{\circ}C$) for 2, 4, 8, and 12 weeks. Wafers were serially cut at constant intervals from rod treatment point and the boron penetration through longitudinal and transverse direction was measured by staining with boron indicator. For boron diffusion, MC above fiber saturation point was needed, and the diffusion rates increased with time. The fastest rates of diffusion were observed in longitudinal direction, followed by the radial and then the tangential direction. The rates of diffusion in all directions were the fastest in P. koraiensis. In P. densiflora, the diffusion rates through heartwood was faster than that in sapwood in longitudinal direction and vice versa in transverse direction. Based on the best result of this study, optimal space between rod insertion points could be recommended as follows; approximately 120 mm for P. koraiensis and heartwood of P. densiflora, 60 mm for sapwood of P. densiflora in longitudinal direction, and approximately 30 mm for all species tested in transverse direction. However, the effect of rod size and long-term exposure for diffusion on boron movement should be fully investigated for the accurate evaluation of optimal space between rod holes.

• Composites Research
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• v.28 no.5
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• pp.270-276
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• 2015

Polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF)-based nanocomposites are fabricated by incorporation of boron nitride (BN) nanosheets with anisotropic orientation for a potential high thermal conducting ferroelectric materials. The PVDF is dissolved in dimethylformamide (DMF) and homogeneously mixed with exfoliated BN nanosheets, which is then cast into a polyimide film under application of high magnetic fields (0.45~10 T), where the direction of the filler alignment was controlled. The BN nanosheets are exfoliated by a mixed way of solvothermal method and ultrasonication prior to incorporation into the PVDF-based polymer suspension. X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscope and thermal diffusivity are measured for the characterization of the polymer nanocomposites. Analysis shows that BN nanosheets are exfoliated into the fewer layers, whose basal planes are oriented either perpendicular or parallel to the composite surfaces without necessitating the surface modification induced by high magnetic fields. Moreover, the nanocomposites show a dramatic thermal diffusivity enhancement of 1056% by BN nanosheets with perpendicular orientation in comparison with the pristine PVDF at 10 vol % of BN, which relies on the degree of filler orientation. The mechanism for the magnetic field-induced orientation of BN and enhancement of thermal property of PVDF-based composites by the BN assembly are elucidated.

• Coupled systems mechanics
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• v.2 no.3
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• pp.271-288
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• 2013

In the present study an elastic-plastic strain analysis is carried out for fibrous composites by using numerical modeling. Application of homogeneous transversely-isotropic model was chosen based on problem solution of a square plate with a circular hole under uniaxial tension. The results obtained in this study correspond to the solution of fiber model trial problem, as well as to analytical solution. Further, numerical algorithm and software has been developed, based on simplified theory of small elastic strains for transversely-isotropic bodies, and FEM. The influence of holes and cracks on stress state of complicated configuration transversely-isotropic bodies has been studied. Strain curves and plasticity zones that are formed in vicinity of the concentrators has been provided. Numerical values of effective mechanical parameters calculated for unidirectional composites at different ratios of fiber volume content and matrix. Content volume proportions of fibers and matrix defined for fibrous composite material that enables to behave as elastic-plastic body or as a brittle material. The influences of the fibrous structure on stress concentration in vicinity of holes on boron/aluminum D16, used as an example.

• Tribology and Lubricants
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• v.39 no.6
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• pp.228-234
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• 2023

In this study, reciprocating wear tests are performed on AISI 52100 bearing steel to investigate its tribological behavior in a hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN) water solution. The h-BN-based aqueous lubricant is prepared using an atoxic procedure called ultrasonic sonication in pure water. Ball-on-flat reciprocating sliding experiments are conducted, where the ball is slewed on a fixed flat at 50-㎛ displacement. The lubricating behavior of h-BN is compared with that of deionized (DI) water. Results show that the friction coefficient is higher in h-BN testing than that in DI tests, but the results are equalized as the friction coefficient reaches a stable level. Scanning electron microscopic images reveal significant material loss in the center and mild abrasion on the edge of the wear scar in h-BN tests. However, these effects are minor in DI water situations. The results of energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy show that considerable oxidation occurs in the central zone of the wear scar in h-BN cases with strong adhesion and material removal. These findings reveal the importance of determining ideal circumstances that can tolerate material friction and wear.

• Bulletin of the Korean Chemical Society
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• v.30 no.12
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• pp.2865-2866
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• 2009

• JSTS:Journal of Semiconductor Technology and Science
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• v.1 no.2
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• pp.103-110
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• 2001

Gate oxide scaling for sub-l00nm CMOS devices has been studied. Issues on the gate oxide scaling are reviewed, which are boron penetration, reliability, and direct tunneling leakage currents. Reliability of Sub-2.0nm oxides and the device performance degradation due to boron penetration are investigated. Especially, the effect of gate leakage currents on the transistor characteristics is studied. As a result, it is proposed that thinner oxides than previous expectations may be usable as scaling proceeds. Based on the gate oxide thickness optimization process we have established, high performance CMOS transistors of $L_{gate}=70nm$ and $T_{ox}=1.4nm$ were fabricated, which showed excellent current drives of $860\mu\textrm{A}/\mu\textrm{m}$ (NMOS) and $350\mu\textrm{A}/\mu\textrm{m}$ (PMOS) at $I_{off}=10\mu\textrm{A}/\mu\textrm{m}$ and $V_dd=1.2V$, and CV/I of 1.60ps (NMOS) and 3.32ps(PMOS).