Multifunctional composites made with boron-rich additives are absorbers of low energy neutrons, and could be used as radiation shielding materials. Nanoparticle additives of boron carbide, boron nitride, and other boron-containing materials might make good multifunctional composites if they are paired with polymers having high levels of hydrogen, such as polyethylene. Polyethylene/boron containing nanocomposites were fabricated using conventional polymer processing techniques, and were evaluated for mechanical and radiation shielding properties. Addition of boron-rich nanoparticles to an injection molding grade HDPE showed superior mechanical properties to neat HDPE. Radiation shielding measurements of the nanocomposites were improved over those of the neat polyethylene with boron carbide showing the best results. Worker exposure to potentially toxic nanoparticles can be reduced by using appropriate manufacturing processes. Nanocomposites are advantageous because of their increased mechanical properties and superior shielding performance.
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