SYNTHESIS AND CHARACTERIZATION OF BORON-CONTAINING POLYMERIC MATERIALS FOR NEUTRON SHIELDING APPLICATIONS
MICHAEL B. GLASGOW
College of William & Mary, Department of Applied Science, 1996
Field: Polymer Science, Degree: Ph.D.
Advisor: Robert A. Orwoll, Chemistry Chair
Abstract
The development of boron-containing polymeric materials for neutron shielding applications was undertaken. Three types of materials were characterized for physical and thermal properties: boron powder-filled epoxy composites, carborane polyamides having boron chemically bonded into the polymer, and boron-loaded polyimide thin films. Addition of amorphous submicron boron powder did not affect significantly the thermal performance of the epoxy. The 17% boron loading produced a 26% increase incomprehensive failure strength and a 68% increase in compressive modulus. 0.125 inch thick specimens containing 17% boron absorbed 92% of incident neutrons from a 5-Curie Pu/Be source compared with <1% for the neat epoxy. Dispersion of the boron in the epoxy was improved with the addition of larger size crystalline boron powders. Carborane polyamides containing up to 35% boron were thermally stable up to 400(C in air. The polymers had hydrogen/boron ratios from 2.0 to 3.8 and were soluble in several organic solvents. Polymer solutions were processed into clear, colored thin films. Neutron absorption of the opaque films measured in a 5-Curie Pu/Be neutron source was linear with boron concentration and film thickness. The fraction of neutrons absorbed varied linearly with boron concentration and film thickness. The applicability of boron-containing materials to the aerospace, nuclear power and accelerator industries was investigated.
