Thermoplastic micro- and nanocomposites for neutron shielding

Abstract The use of thermoplastic micro- and nanocomposites for space-related neutron shielding applications is examined. The materials of particular interest are high in hydrogen content such as polyethylene and polyimide resins, and additives that provide structural support and desirable mechanical properties such as boron nitride, boron carbide, boron nitride nanotubes, and carbon fiber. This chapter covers some of the topics relating to the selection of particular materials which provide benefits that exceed current industry standard aluminum alloys. Results from various studies regarding computational radiation modeling, mechanical testing, thermal stability analysis, and radiation exposure data are provided and analyzed as a whole. The overall analysis shows that composites made from high-density polyethylene and boron nitride provide superior radiation shielding at smaller amounts than required of aluminum and further study into the use of this material with carbon fiber in sandwich composites is of particular interest.