Comparisons of enhanced thermal neutron‐ and gamma‐shielding properties in UHMWPE composites containing surface‐treated Sm2O3 and Gd2O3 particles

Author:

Toyen Donruedee12,Anekratmontre Thitisorn23,Wimolmala Ekachai4,Thamrongsiripak Nuatawan5,Rungseesumran Thiti5,Saenboonruang Kiadtisak236ORCID

Affiliation:

1. Department of Materials Science, Faculty of Science Kasetsart University Bangkok 10900 Thailand

2. Special Research Unit of Radiation Technology for Advanced Materials (RTAM), Faculty of Science Kasetsart University Bangkok 10900 Thailand

3. Department of Applied Radiation and Isotopes, Faculty of Science Kasetsart University Bangkok 10900 Thailand

4. Polymer PROcessing and Flow (P‐PROF) Research Group, Division of Materials Technology, School of Energy, Environment and Materials King Mongkut's University of Technology Thonburi Bangkok 10140 Thailand

5. Thailand Institute of Nuclear Technology (Public Organization) Nakorn Nayok 26120 Thailand

6. Specialized Center of Rubber and Polymer Materials in Agriculture and Industry (RPM), Faculty of Science Kasetsart University Bangkok 10900 Thailand

Abstract

AbstractThe rapid development and broad utilization of nuclear technologies has raised safety concerns, especially for those requiring radiation‐shielding equipment. To cope with such high demands and risks, the current study investigated the potential of utilizing ultra‐high‐molecular‐weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) composites containing varying contents of surface‐treated samarium oxide (Sm2O3) or gadolinium oxide (Gd2O3) particles as dual thermal neutron‐ and gamma‐shielding materials. The results showed that the thermal neutron‐ and gamma‐shielding abilities of the composites increased with increasing filler contents, as evidenced by the highest values of μ (in the case gamma rays), ∑t (in the case of thermal neutrons), and μm, as well as the lowest values of HVL and TVL, being achieved in the samples containing 25 wt% Sm2O3 or Gd2O3 (the maximum content investigated). Furthermore, based on the comparative thermal neutron‐shielding properties of the current composites to those of a common shielding product containing 15.9 wt% B2O3 (corresponding to 5 wt% B), the addition of 2.5 wt% Gd2O3 or 4.8 wt% Sm2O3 to the UHMWPE matrix was sufficient to attenuate thermal neutrons with equal efficiency to that of the referenced material. Furthermore, the results indicated that the addition of both fillers increased the density and hardness (Shore D) but reduced the degree of crystallinity, tensile strength, elongation at break, and dielectric strength of the composites, for which the degree of changes in each property largely depended on filler types and contents. In summary, the overall results suggested that both Sm2O3 and Gd2O3 could substantially enhance the thermal neutron‐ and gamma‐shielding properties of the composites, while the developed UHMWPE composites offered durability and excellent electrical properties that could be suitable for use in various applications.

Funder

Kasetsart University Research and Development Institute

Publisher

Wiley

Subject

Polymers and Plastics

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