Phys.org December 23, 2021
Through a series of intricate and comprehensive experiments researchers in China tested and certified the composite, modified-gadolinium oxide/boron carbide/high density polyethylene (Gd2O3/B4C/HDPE) as safe and effective to shield neutron and gamma rays. Fast neutrons collide with gadolinium (Gd) inelastically and collide elastically with hydrogen until they become thermal neutrons, finally, absorbed by high Z element Gd and boron. The experimental results show that the neutron shielding rate of the composite can reach 98% under the condition of 15 cm thickness in CF-252 environment. In cS-137 and CO-60 environments, the gamma shielding rates of the composite are 72% and 60%, respectively, at the same thickness. Its comprehensive shielding performance is better than conventional boron-polyethylene collimating shielding…read more. Open Access TECHNICAL ARTICLEÂ
Schematic diagram of shielding mechanism of modified nano composite shielding material. Credit: Huo Zhiping