The Neutron Absorption Capacity of a Composite Material Based on Ultrahigh Molecular Weight Polyethylene Under Reactor Radiation Conditions

• DOI: 10.3390/polym16233425
• Publication Date: 2024-12-05T14:30:18Z
• Authors: Mazhyn Skakov; Baurzhan Tuyakbayev; Yernat Kozhakhmetov; Yerzhan Sapatayev
• Keywords: 02 engineering and technology; 0210 nano-technology; Article

This work presents the results of a study on the influence of fillers on the neutron absorption capacity of materials made from ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE). Composite materials based on UHMWPE were obtained using gas-flame technology with the addition of powdered UHMWPE fillers (H3BO3, WC, and PbO). A radiation cassette has been developed and constructed for conducting studies on the neutron absorption capacity of the material, allowing for the placement of a sample with activation indicators. Samples of UHMWPE with fillers were irradiated at different doses on the unique research reactor IVG-1M, located at the National Nuclear Center of the Republic of Kazakhstan in the city of Kurchatov. The reaction rate of 63Cu (n, g), 64Cu and 58Ni (n, p)58Co on activation indicators and neutron flux density at the sample location were determined. Neutron-physical and thermal-physical calculations were performed in order to determine their characteristics. The structure and phase state of UHMWPE with fillers were studied before and after irradiation.