Sm2O3/UHMWPE composites for radiation shielding applications: Mechanical and dielectric properties under gamma irradiation and thermal neutron shielding

This work investigated the thermal neutron, mechanical, morphological, and dielectric properties of ultra-high-molecular -weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) composites with the addition of varying samarium oxide (Sm2O3) contents from 0 to 50 wt% in 10 wt% increments for potential uses as durable thermal neutron shielding materials. The results showed that adding Sm2O3 powder could substantially improve the thermal neutron shielding properties of the composites, in which the recommended Sm2O3 content was in the range of 10-20 wt%. The results also showed that an increased Sm2O3 content increased the tensile modulus and hardness (Shore D), but decreased the tensile strength, elongation at break, and dielectric strength. Furthermore, the results on the effects of gamma irradiation (exposure doses of 35 kGy and 70 kGy) on the properties of the UHMWPE composites suggested that gamma irradiation could induce changes in the mechanical and dielectric properties. In summary, the overall properties of interest suggested that the developed Sm2O3/UHMWPE composites could be effectively used as durable thermal neutron shielding materials with Sm2O3 powder acting as an enhancement for neutron attenuation.