Preparation and characterization of a new Gd₂O₃-epoxy composite for neutron shielding applications

The current study aims to introduce a new polymeric composite consisting of epoxy resin as the matrix and gadolinium oxide (Gd₂O₃) as the neutron adsorption ingredient. The shielding performance of the composite was assessed by neutron attenuation experiments with an Am-Be source and polyethylene moderator. The results of these experiments showed an appreciable agreement with the Monte Carlo simulations. Other characteristics of the composite, including mechanical strength, thermal stability, microtexture, and its chemical compositions, were examined using standard tensile test, thermogravimetric analysis, X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, static light scattering analyses, and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The results indicated that the new composites offer appreciable neutron absorption properties so that samples with 0.5%, 2%, 5%, and 10% Gd₂O₃ content could reduce the neutron beam intensity by 54%, 63%, 66%, and 70% at a thickness of 4 cm.