A novel radiation protection material: BaPbO3/Al composite

The radiation protection materials for electronic devices in strategic nuclear weapon are demanded to have some characteristics: higher specific strength and modulus, and anti-radiation property. Therefore, a novel BaPbO3/Al composite was fabricated by powder metallurgy for the first time. The microstructure of the composite was characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The tensile test and photon shielding test were performed to determine the mechanical properties and radiation protection function of the composite, respectively. The experimental results shows that the composite has a similar density as aluminum, meanwhile, it exhibits excellent anti-radiation properties and improved tensile strength and elastic modulus compared with aluminum. Thus, it is promising for application as a novel radiation protection material. (C) 2008 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.