Preparation and characteristics of a flexible neutron and γ-ray shielding and radiation-resistant material reinforced by benzophenone

With a highly functional methyl vinyl silicone rubber (VMQ) matrix and filler materials of B4C, PbO, and benzophenone (BP) and through powder surface modification, silicone rubber mixing, and vulcanized molding, a flexible radiation shielding and resistant composite was prepared in the study. The dispersion property of the powder in the matrix filler was improved by powder surface modification. BP was added into the matrix to enhance the radiation resistance performance of the composites. After irradiation, the tensile strength, elongation, and tear strength of the composites decreased, while the Shore hardness of the composites and the crosslinking density of the VMQ matrix increased. Moreover, the composites with BP showed better mechanical properties and smaller crosslinking density than those without BP after irradiation. The initial degradation temperatures of the composites containing BP before and after irradiation were 323.6°C and 335.3°C, respectively. The transmission of neutrons for a 2-mm thick sample was only 0.12 for an Am-Be neutron source. The transmission of γ-rays with energies of 0.662, 1.173, and 1.332 MeV for 2-cm thick samples were 0.7, 0.782, and 0.795, respectively.