On the design of a composite hydride-metal to accommodate hydride decomposition

Neutron shielding comprising a metal-hydride metal composite: the metal-hydride metal composite comprising: a metal matrix; and a plurality of metal-hydride particles dispersed within the metal matrix; wherein, the fraction of metal-hydride in the metal-hydride metal composite is at least 1 mol % and the volume fraction of metal-hydride in the metal hydride metal composite is no higher than the ratio of the solid solubility limit of hydrogen in the metal matrix and the molar fraction of hydrogen in the metal-hydride.