Alkyl derivative of p-terphenyl as an activator of the plastic scintillators with n/γ-discrimination ability

In order to increase the solubility of p-terphenyl molecules, their structure was modified with tert-butyl groups. A derivative of p-terphenyl 2,4,4′-tris-tert-butyl-1,1′:4′,1′-terphenyl was obtained. The new activator was used to obtain polystyrene-based plastic scintillators. The optical and scintillation properties of the obtained plastic scintillators were studied and their ability to n/γ-discrimination was established.