10B enriched plastic scintillators for application in thermal neutron detection

• DOI: 10.1016/j.nima.2017.10.042
• Publication Date: 2017-10-24T17:30:49Z
• Authors: Adam Mahl; Henok A. Yemam; Roshan Fernando; Joshua T. Koubek; Alan Sellinger; Uwe Greife
• Keywords: Neutron Detection; Boric acid; Characterization

Abstract We report here on the synthesis and characterization of a novel 10 B enriched aromatic molecule that can be incorporated into common poly(vinyltoluene) (PVT) based plastic scintillators to achieve enhanced thermal neutron detection. Starting from relatively inexpensive 10 B enriched boric acid, we have prepared 4,4,5,5-tetramethyl-2-phenyl-1,3,2-dioxaborolane (MBB) in three high yield steps. MBB is soluble and compatible with PVT based formulations and results in stable plastic scintillators. Chemical synthesis, solubility limit in PVT, and the physical properties of the dopant were explored. The relevant response properties of the resulting scintillators when exposed to neutron and gamma radiation , including light yield and pulse shape discrimination properties were measured and analyzed.