Outstanding thermal neutrons shields based on epoxy, UHMWPE fibers and boron carbide particles.

Abstract Aiming the development of advanced and lightweight thermal neutrons shields, a new hybrid composite was developed from UHMWPE fibers, epoxy and boron carbide (B4C) particles. The UHMWPE fibres were chosen because of their high hydrogen contents and exceptional mechanical properties. The neutrons shielding tests were performed using an optimized experimental setup at NUR research reactor, Algiers. Overall, the developed materials displayed remarkable neutrons screening performances. Meanwhile, the best performance was recorded at B4C amount of 20 wt% with a macroscopic cross-section (Σ) of with a 0.313 cm−1 equivalent to a mean free path (λ) of 2.2 cm.