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Dual-function polyurethane-based CdO- B4C radiation shields: experimental and monte carlo validation
Mahdieh Mokhtari Dorostkar1, Akbar Abdi Saray2
1Department of physics, Urmia University, Urmia, Iran.
Scientific Reports
|November 29, 2025
Summary
This study developed a lightweight polyurethane composite shielding material. Reinforced with cadmium oxide (CdO) and boron carbide (B₄C), it significantly improved gamma shielding and showed effective neutron protection.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Nuclear Engineering
- Polymer Science
Background:
- Polyurethane composites offer flexible, lightweight radiation shielding solutions.
- Enhancing polyurethane with fillers like cadmium oxide (CdO) and boron carbide (B₄C) can improve shielding properties.
- Developing multifunctional materials for both gamma and neutron radiation is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To create and assess a novel, lightweight, dual-purpose radiation shielding material.
- To investigate the effectiveness of polyurethane reinforced with CdO and B₄C for gamma and neutron attenuation.
- To optimize filler concentrations for enhanced shielding performance.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of polyurethane composites with varying concentrations of CdO and B₄C.
- Experimental measurement of gamma ray attenuation using a Cs-137 source.
- Validation of experimental data and neutron shielding assessment via Monte Carlo simulations (MCNP6, Geant4).
Main Results:
- The CdO/B₄C-PU composite demonstrated up to 90% improvement in gamma attenuation.
- Experimental gamma attenuation results showed strong agreement with MCNP6 and Geant4 simulations.
- MCNP6 simulations indicated promising neutron attenuation capabilities for the composite.
Conclusions:
- The developed CdO/B₄C-PU composite is a promising lightweight material for dual-purpose radiation shielding.
- The material offers significant gamma shielding enhancement and effective neutron protection.
- This composite has potential applications in areas requiring protection against both gamma and neutron radiation.
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