Phys.org May 24, 2024
Researchers in China created a new type of composite material for shielding against neutron and gamma radiation using micron plate Sm2O3 (samarium oxide) to reinforce boron-containing polyethylene with different specific surface areas and particle size distributions. The fillers were added to boron-containing polyethylene to create composites. The composites showed improved thermal stability, increased the melting temperature, mechanical strength, and radiation shielding properties compared to materials without the fillers. Tests revealed that the composite material could block 98.7% of neutron radiation from a 252Cf source and 72.1% of gamma radiation from a 137Cs source when the material was 15 cm thick. According to the researchers their work provides another strategy for the development of radiation protection technology from the perspective of materials science… read more. TECHNICAL ARTICLE
Graphical abstract. Credit: Composites Science and Technology, Volume 251, 26 May 2024, 110567