EPDM Rubber with hexagonal Boron Nitride: A Thermal Neutron Shielding Composite

Abstract

Boron and boron-based materials are highly effective for thermal neutron shielding and a material with high hydrogen content is a good choice for neutron shielding. Hexagonal boron nitride (hBN) could be used as a thermal neutron shielding material thanks to its high boron content. On the other hand, EPDM, which has high hydrogen content, has relatively economical price compared to other commercial rubbers. In this study, the EPDM/hBN composite was developed for the purpose of thermal neutron shielding. Kinetic analysis showed that the non-autocatalytic reaction was the main reaction type leading the vulcanization process. It was seen from the mechanical tests, the increase in hBN content has changed the nature of the composite. Thermal analysis showed that the addition of hBN content improved thermal stability. Thermal neutron attenuation tests showed that the EPDM/hBN samples attenuated the neutron radiation up to 61.5%. The theoretical neutron shielding tests showed that hBN20 is the best sample for neutron absorption. The HVL value was calculated as 1.08 cm for hBN20 sample. The results showed that the prepared EPDM/hBN composite is a good neutron shielding material.