Cheapo moderator / shield

[myID]

What about using used deep fryer fat?

You can get it for free, it is solid (more or less), can easily be filled in whatever form you need and it is some sort of hydrocarbon so it should give a nice moderator right? And in combination with some borax (and lead) it should give a nice shield also.

Kind regards
Roman

[TJA]

Provided you don't mind the smell and the volatility.

[Chris Trent]

I would really not recommend it.

I make Biodiesel from the stuff and can say that it is very prone to being very messy. At least here in Texas it is also liquid most of the time. (Doesn't smell too hot either)

Good vacuum technique involves keeping things as clean as possible. A bunch of grease around does not lend itself to that. (gets everywhere and is hard to clean)

Bulk Paraffin blocks are a much better option, even if they cost a bit more.

[Starfire]

Water is best and cheapest

[Carl Willis]

Hi Roman,

I recommend water or HDPE for a moderator. Neutron shielding is really not a concern.

-Carl

[mej33]

I was doing some searching on this subject and came across
http://www.silpak.com/products/47-polye ... -polyester
as a product, and several references along the lines of (search for boron on the following link)
http://www.freepatentsonline.com/6497645.html

There are several advantages to using WEP (Water Extended Polyester) as a matrix to hold borax/boron. The major one is that is none flammable. It is low cost as far as resin costs go. The temperature before shape is lost is much higher. Water acts as a moderator. It is castable. It can be used by itself or after a water layer. The next layer would need to be steel for the gamma rays.