Synthesis and characterization of Polyethylene/B4C composite, and its neutron shielding performance in cementitious materials: Experimental and simulation studies

Boron compounds are effective neutron shielding materials because of their high neutron reaction cross-section. However, their use is limited in cementitious materials because of the boric acid forming, which reduces the durability. In this study, a polyethylene/B4C composite (Poly-B), for use as a neutron shielding material suitable for cementitious systems, was synthesized using a simple mechanical activation process. The physicochemical properties and neutron shielding performance of the Poly-B-incorporated cement paste were evaluated via experimental and computational methods. The Poly-B exists in a form in which polyethylene coats the outer surface of B4C. The Poly-B-incorporated cement paste, boric acid forming is prevented, is more advantageous in long-term strength than that of B4C. Furthermore, Poly-B, which is a removal-diffusion-based material, improved the neutron shielding performance of cement paste than B4C. [Display omitted] •A polyethylene/B4C composite (Poly-B) are developed and characterized.•Poly-B is utilized as neutron shielding material suitable for cementitious systems.•Polyethylene in Poly-B prevents forming boric acid from B4C.•Poly-B-incorporated cement paste possessed good neutron shielding properties.