The design study of a new nuclear protection material

A new epoxy adhesive filled with boron carbide (B4C) was investigated, which has two main functions of adhesiving and radiation shielding. The thermal neutron radiation shielding effect of the adhesive was detected by multiple-track spectrum analyzer, and it was excellent when the thickness of the adhesiving film was beyond 300 μm. In addition, the sheared strength performance of the adhesive with five kinds of Hardeners was treated under the thermal cycling condition. The result displayed that combined use of Hardener A and Hardener B was better than others. Meantime, the sheared strength of the adhesive filled with different type of B4C powder was measured, and it was particularly better when the content of B4C powder B filled with 30%. Moreover, the sheared fracture surface was further analyzed by virtue of Metallographic Microscope and Scan Electric Microscope, and the exhibited result was well consistent with the former tensile sheared test.

► A new epoxy adhesive filled with boron carbide was firstly studied.
► The thermal neutron radiation shielding effect of the adhesive was excellent.
► The sheared strength of the adhesive filled with 30% B4C powder B was particularly better.
► The SEM analysis of sheared fracture surface was well consistent with the former test.