Effect of Boron Nanoparticles on Epoxy Composites on Mechanical and Ionizing Radiation Protection Properties

Boron nanoparticles doped with epoxy resins were synthesized and characterized using scanning electron microscopy and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy studies. The mechanical properties, such as tensile strength and Youngs modulus, were found to be higher for 0.3% boron addition in selected composites. The gamma-ray shielding properties, such as the mass attenuation coefficient, Z_eff and Z_eq values, and the neutron shielding properties, such as the mass attenuation factor for both thermal and fast neutron, were studied for the selected composites.

The Z_eff values of boron-doped epoxy composites indicated that boron increased the Z_eff values at above 1.2 MeV. The increased boron concentration in the epoxy composites decreased Z_eq values for selected energy regions. The mass attenuation factor for thermal neutrons was highest in 70epoxy + 30boron. Mass attenuation factor values were compared with other radiation-shielding materials, such as concrete, water, and commercial glass. Indeed, the synthesized boron-doped epoxy composites are helpful in neutron shielding applications.