A research team, led by Prof. HUANG Qunying, from the Institute of Nuclear Energy Safety Technology (INEST), Hefei Institutes of Physical Science (HFIPS), Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), recently developed a novel neutron shielding composite.

This composite, called Sm2O3-APTES/AFG-90H, was with high thermal stability, mechanical properties and efficient neutron shielding performance, according to the team, which is important characteristics for neutron shielding materials in advanced nuclear energy systems.

The related research was published in the journal Polymers.

The high dispersion and good compatibility for fillers in polymers can ensure the comprehensive performance of epoxy resin composites.

Therefore, in this research, physicists used new high-performance epoxy resins AFG-90H and Sm2O3 as the matrix and filler, respectively to develop neutron shielding materials with higher performance. They also adopted the coupling agents (APTES) to modify the surface of Sm2O3 to improve the dispersion and compatibility of particles in AFG-90H resins.

Scientists conducted a series of comprehensive experiments to check the physical properties of the composite, in which the Monte Carlo particle transport software SuperMC was used to optimize the compositions to get high shielding efficiency.

After testing the initial thermal decomposition temperature, glass transition temperature and Young's modulus of the composite with 30wt% Sm2O3-APTES addition, they found the results were significantly improved compared with the AFG-90H matrix. For low Sm2O3-APTES addition, some of the residual stress in the composite could be dispersed by Sm2O3-APTES. For high Sm2O3-APTES addition, a large amount of local plastic deformation occurred near the equator of Sm2O3-APTES aggregates, resulting in the dissipation of the binding energy combined between the fillers and AFG-90H matrix.

The results provided new ideas for the R and D of high-performance neutron shielding materials in advanced nuclear energy systems.

Research Report: "Influences of Modified Sm2O3 on Thermal Stability, Mechanical and Neutron Shielding Properties of Aminophenol Trifunctional Epoxy Resin"

Related Links
Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences
Nuclear Power News - Nuclear Science, Nuclear Technology
Powering The World in the 21st Century at Energy-Daily.com

Tweet

Thanks for being here; We need your help. The SpaceDaily news network continues to grow but revenues have never been harder to maintain. With the rise of Ad Blockers, and Facebook - our traditional revenue sources via quality network advertising continues to decline. And unlike so many other news sites, we don't have a paywall - with those annoying usernames and passwords. Our news coverage takes time and effort to publish 365 days a year. If you find our news sites informative and useful then please consider becoming a regular supporter or for now make a one off contribution.
SpaceDaily Contributor $5 Billed Once credit card or paypal		SpaceDaily Monthly Supporter $5 Billed Monthly paypal only

Toshiba shareholders reject spin-off plan in key vote
Tokyo (AFP) March 24, 2022
Toshiba shareholders on Thursday voted against a proposal to split the Japanese conglomerate into two, dealing a fresh blow to management that will likely spell further turmoil for the embattled company. The results of the ballot held at an extraordinary shareholder meeting are non-binding, but Toshiba had been hoping to shore up support ahead of a final vote next year on the plan to spin off its electronic devices unit. The result is the latest setback for the engineering giant, which was once ... read more