Polyethylene/boron nitride composites for space radiation shielding

Abstract

Composites made with boron might be absorbers of low energy neutrons, and could be used for structural materials for spacecraft. Polyethylene/boron nitride composites were fabricated using conventional polymer processing techniques, and were evaluated for mechanical and radiation shielding properties. The boron nitride powder surfaces were also functionalized to improve interfacial adhesion. Addition of neat boron nitride to an injection molding grade HDPE increased the tensile modulus from 588 to 735 MPa with 15 vol % filler. The bonding of a trifunctional alkoxysilane to the powder surface prior to processing increases the composite modulus to 856 MPa at the same loading. Scanning electron microscopy of fracture surfaces verified that the silane-treated powders had improved adhesion at the filler/polymer interface. Radiation shielding measurements of a 2 wt % boron nitride composite were improved over those of the neat polyethylene.

Dibromocarbene Functionalization of Boron Nitride Nanosheets: Toward Band Gap Manipulation and Nanocomposite Applications

“…A growing number of reports in the literature have indicated the potential for BNNSs as a nanofiller in composite materials due to its physical attributes such as high mechanical strength, low density, thermal conductivity and radiation shielding potential. [56][57][58] There is therefore much potential for approaches which impart chemical functionality to BN nanomaterials for dispersion and integration within polymer matrices. 11,12 The alkyl functionalization of DBC-BNNSs to form Bu-BNNSs was characterized using FTIR, Figure 6a To quantify the butyl groups grafted onto the BNNSs, TGA was performed in air, Figure 6b.…”

Modern Approaches to Polymer Materials Protecting from Ionizing Radiation

“…At the same time, addition of pure or functionalized boron nitride (15% vol.) tohigh-density polyethylene 83 substantially improves elastic modulus of the material, while preserving its shielding effect against high energy neutrons.…”

Processing characteristics of low‐density polyethylene filled with calcium carbonate of different size distributions

“…Stearic acid (1 g) and 50 g of CaCO 3 were added to a suspension of cyclohexane, stirred at 50 C for 2 h, filtered off, washed thoroughly with cyclohexane, and dried in a vacuum to obtain activated CaCO 3.…”

“…measurement temperature was 180 C, and the rotor speed was 40-80 rpm. The sample volume of each blend was 49 cm 3 . The measurement time was 5 min.…”