ELASTIC POLYMER-BASED NEUTRON SHIELDING COMPOSITE MATERIAL

Abstract

This invention relates to an elastic polymer-based, multilayer composite armor material that provides protection against neutron and gamma radiation in the fields of nuclear, defense and space technologies, and its feature is that it includes an upper outer layer (1) and a lower outer layer (5) with glass fiber fabric material, an upper intermediate layer (2) and a lower intermediate layer (4) containing colemanite (2CaO.3B2O3.5H2O), chromium oxide (Cr2O3), ulexite (NaCaB5O9.8H2O), tincal (Na2B4O7.10H2O), titanium dioxide (TiO2) and silicone mastic, and a central layer (3) with an aramid fiber fabric material structure.

Description

1 TARIFF ELASTIC POLYMER-BASED NEUTRON SHIELDING COMPOSITE MATERIAL Technological Field: This discovery will advance neutron and gamma rays in the fields of nuclear, defense, and space technologies. Multilayered composite armor made of elastic polymer that provides protection against radiation. It is related to the material. 10 State of the Art: Neutron radiation is the emission of neutrons, which have no electrical charge, from the atomic nucleus. It is a type of ionizing radiation produced by the emission of radiation. This type of radiation is particularly prevalent among the other 15 Unlike radiation, it does not carry a direct electrical charge, therefore it interacts with materials. Its interaction is different; it can penetrate very deep and in the atomic nuclei it collides with This can cause secondary radiation when neutrons interact with matter. It can disrupt the structure of atoms, trigger nuclear reactions, and is therefore serious. It can cause biological and structural damage. Because of these characteristics, neutron radiation is classified as 20 It is considered extremely dangerous and requires special armor systems. Neutron radiation is most commonly found in nuclear reactors, particle accelerators, and nuclear facilities. It is seen in gunshots and some medical radiation therapy devices. Also, 25 high-energy particles from the Sun and cosmic rays in the space environment Neutron radiation can also be generated as a result of interaction with the atmosphere. Nuclear waste... This type of radiation can also be released during storage or transportation. Therefore, nuclear energy production, defense industry, space research, and advanced medicine. Applications are the primary fields where neutron radiation is intense. In recent years, nuclear reactors, nuclear facilities, and nuclear fusion reactors such as fast-generating reactors have become prominent. The development of work in the field of nuclear energy, such as in facilities, is of great importance, and every 2 Protection from neutron radiation produced by the facility ensures safety for people working at the facility. This becomes a significant problem at the management level. Therefore, an effective neutron shield is necessary. The development of materials has been replaced by the development of the nuclear energy business. This is an important issue that needs to be addressed. A patent application numbered US3142649A describes a neutron radiation shielding material. This invention describes solid material chips containing at least 3% hydrogen. (for example, polyethylene, nylon, polyester resin) containing neutrons such as boron or cadmium. Absorbent particles are dispersed, and these chips are absorbed by a fluid that also contains hydrogen, or a homogeneous 10 in a plastic matrix (e.g., mineral oil, silicone fluid, epoxy resin) It is positioned as follows: The matrix is ​​flexible or castable depending on the application area. They have been selected in such a way that paraffin or hydrocarbon oil is used at low temperatures, and at high temperatures... At higher temperatures, silicone-based liquids were used. Patent application number WO1998000258A1 describes 15 neutron shielding applications. Metal matrix compositions are described. The invention involves aluminum, magnesium, Matrices of powdered metals such as titanium or gadolinium with a high boron content. Mixing carbide powder, pressing it under high pressure and temperature, and It involves the production of composite structures obtained by sintering. These composites, lightness, high stiffness, durability, fatigue resistance, thermal conductivity and 20 It offers superior mechanical properties such as weldability. Patent application number US7524438 describes a neutron shield based on unsaturated polyester. The materials used are described. This invention is for the transportation and storage of nuclear fuels. to provide protection against neutron radiation and chain fission 25 unsaturated polyester developed to prevent the reaction from getting out of control It relates to a resin-based composite material. The material contains a sufficient amount of boron. with compounds (e.g., boron carbide and zinc borate) and hydrogen-containing minerals (e.g., alumina hydrate) formulated together with it, providing both high neutron absorption capacity and It is structured to satisfy subcritical conditions. 30 3 Neutron shielding in the patent applications and current technology mentioned above. These materials do not provide sufficient absorption of neutron radiation. Because, these The materials do not contain enough atoms to directly interact with neutrons. Furthermore, these armor systems are generally quite heavy. This makes them unsuitable for military, aerospace, or other applications. This makes it difficult to use in areas such as portable medical equipment. Traditional 5 Composite or metal armor is rigid and lacks flexibility, making it vulnerable to impact. This creates fractures, cracks, or usage restrictions in structures. In addition, The materials described in the patent applications emit secondary gamma rays when they interact with neutrons. It has a high potential for generating radiation, and this situation is different from other types of radiation. It is possible that this could lead to problems. 10 In conclusion, a new one that can overcome the disadvantages mentioned above. Technology is needed. Description of the invention: 15 This invention is suitable for environments with high levels of neutron and gamma radiation exposure. an elastic polymer-based composite developed to provide effective protection It is a material. The aim of the invention is to create a lighter, more flexible material compared to traditional radiation shields. A structure that is cost-effective and has a high neutron absorption capacity. 20 The goal is to create. From nuclear power plants to space research, from radiotherapy clinics With a wide range of uses, including military applications, it is designed to be low-density and compounds with high radiation absorbing properties (colemanite, ulexite, tinkal, TiO₂, Cr₂O₃) (such as) silicone sealant and durable textile layers (glass fiber, aramid fiber) with special By combining these components in proportions, it creates an armor that enhances both human and device safety. 25 Materials are provided. Composite materials, boron compounds (colemanite, ulexite, tinkal) and transition metal oxides. Because it contains (Cr₂O₃, NiO, Fe₂O₃), it can detect thermal and fast neutrons with high efficiency. It can absorb radiation. This makes it suitable for applications exposed to radiation such as nuclear reactors, nuclear medicine, and spacecraft. It is critically important in environments with high exposure. Also, the effects of neutrons... 4 Absorption in this way reduces the production of secondary radiation, thus harming the environment and humans. reduces the risk. The invention creates an armor that is both lightweight and flexible thanks to its elastic polymer-based structure. This feature is particularly useful for portable protective equipment and spacesuits, such as 5 It provides a great advantage in applications. At the same time, the different surfaces and This allows it to easily adapt to different shapes. High melting points of material components (e.g., colemanite 2300°C, Cr₂O₃) Thanks to its silicone sealant-based structure (2435°C), it is resistant to high temperatures and chemicals. It is resistant to abrasion. This ensures a long service life in harsh industrial and military conditions. It provides the possibility of use. The invention relates to fabric-reinforced layers (glass fiber, aramid fiber, polyurethane-coated glass fiber). thanks to its high resistance to impacts, tensile and compressive forces, and fatigue. This structure demonstrates that the armor does not lose its function even under deformation. provides. Most of the minerals used in the invention are abundant in nature and can be processed. It is relatively easy. Thanks to this, it is much cheaper than expensive metal-based armor. 20 It offers a material that can be produced at a low cost. Furthermore, it is suitable for mass production. It can be applied on a large scale in the defense industry, healthcare, and energy sectors. Fabric layers within the composite (e.g., glass fiber + active filler + aramid fiber) (arrangements such as these) both improve the mechanical strength of the structure and radiation shielding. 25 It optimizes its efficiency. Thanks to the division of labor within each layer, the total Weight is kept under control while performance is enhanced. The energy range for which the invention provides protection is stated as 0.025 eV – 4.5 MeV, The wide range accommodates both low-energy thermal neutrons and high-energy fast 30 It offers effective defense against neutrons. This makes it suitable for various application scenarios. This makes it possible to maintain a high level of security. Some armor materials can absorb neutrons while producing secondary gamma radiation. However, thanks to the components used in this invention (particularly boron compounds), neutrons It is absorbed by being reduced to lower energies and releases secondary harmful radiation into the environment. This prevents its spread. This feature is particularly useful in nuclear medicine and in applications where there is close contact with humans. This provides a critical security advantage in applications. The invention's elastic structure ensures user comfort and ergonomics for prolonged use. It supports safety, especially for patients and healthcare personnel in medical settings. It offers a solution. 10 This composite material can be easily modified with different fabric types and filler compounds. It is designed in such a way that neutron absorption can be achieved, for example, by increasing the colemanite ratio. While its capacity can be increased, mechanical strength can be improved by increasing the amount of aramid fiber. It can be improved. Thanks to this structure, customized radiation shields can be created according to user needs. 15 It is possible to produce thin and flexible layers, both for the medical field and... Thicker and more impact-resistant versions can be produced for military applications. The invention caters not to just one sector, but to multiple different sectors. Nuclear power plants, space research, military applications, nuclear medicine, and industrial equipment 20 Its ability to be used in a wide variety of fields, such as protection, makes this invention versatile and This makes it a marketable product. This involves commercialization and technology transfer. This is a great advantage in that respect. Material components, when used together, not just individually, create a synergistic effect. 25 For example, silicone sealant forms a strong bond with additive minerals, thus both It ensures mechanical integrity and also enables homogeneous distribution of fillers. It also provides ideal adhesion between covering fabrics and filling materials. Because of this, structural weaknesses such as separation or cracking between layers occur. It is invisible. This synergy extends the product's durability and lifespan. 30 6 The invention relates to transition metal oxides (e.g., Cr₂O₃, NiO, Fe₂O₃) incorporated into a composite. their high atomic number allows them to attenuate gamma rays to a certain extent. It has this feature. This acts as an additional radiation barrier besides neutron shielding. It makes the material a hybrid protective coating. The silicone sealant within the material has a coefficient of thermal expansion when exposed to heat. It is balanced with low levels of additives. This allows the material to withstand sudden temperature changes. It will not crack or deform. Its resistance to thermal cycling makes it suitable for inside the reactor. or provides structural stability in hot-cold transitions between indoor and outdoor environments. The materials used must be resistant to abrasion, moisture, and chemicals. Thanks to this, this armor can be used for a long time without losing its functionality. Thus, maintenance frequency is reduced. and the total cost of ownership decreases. This is beneficial for both civilian and military users. It means operational efficiency. Explaining the Figures: The invention will be described by referring to the attached figures, so that the features of the invention can be explained. It will be understood and appreciated more clearly, but the purpose of this invention is this obvious It is not about limiting it with regulations. On the contrary, the invention is defined by the accompanying claims. all alternatives, modifications, and options that could be included within the defined area The aim is to cover their equivalences. The details shown are only for the present invention. It is shown to illustrate the preferred arrangements and both the methods shaping, as well as the most useful and conceptual features of the invention's rules and principles It should be understood that they are presented to provide an easily understandable definition. In these drawings; 25 Figure 1 shows the layers of the product that is the subject of the invention. Illustrations that will help understand this invention are shown in the attached image. They are numbered and listed below with their names. 30 Explanation of References: 7 1. Top outer layer 2. Top intermediate layer 3. Central layer 4. Sub-layer 5 5. Bottom outer layer Detailed Description of the Invention: The terminology used here is intended solely to describe specific applications. 10 and does not limit the scope of the invention. Used here The term "and / or" refers to any of the items listed as related. It includes one and all combinations thereof. Also, the singular "one" used here, "one" The terms "number" and "specified" are used in their plural forms unless the context explicitly indicates otherwise. It is designed to include singular forms such as these. Furthermore, the 15 used in this specification... The terms "includes" and / or "contains" refer to the specified features, steps, processes, It indicates the presence of elements and / or components, but one or more other features, steps, processes, elements, components and / or groups thereof It will be understood that this does not exclude its existence or addition. Unless otherwise noted, all terms used herein (including technical and scientific terms), in the sense that a person with general knowledge in the field to which this invention belongs would generally understand it They have the same meaning. Furthermore, as defined in commonly used dictionaries... The terms will have a meaning consistent with the context of the relevant field and this explanation. it should be interpreted as such, unless otherwise explicitly defined here, idealized 25 or it will be understood that it will not be interpreted in an overly formal sense. The description of the invention will reveal a series of techniques and steps involved. These are: Each of them provides benefits individually, and at the same time, one or more of them can be used together. In some cases, all of the other techniques described may be used in combination. Accordingly, 30 To ensure clarity, each step in the disclosure of the invention should be presented as accurately as possible. By doing this, unnecessary repetition of all combinations will be avoided. 8 Together, the specification and claims, such combinations fully constitute an invention and claims. It should be read with the understanding that it falls within its scope. Here we discuss a novel elastic polymer-based neutron shielding composite material. is taken. The following explanation aims to ensure a full understanding of the present invention. 5 Many specific details have been provided for this purpose. However, it exists even without these details. The applicability of the invention will be clearly understood by experts in the field. The invention involves two different applications of the composite material. The first one... In practice, the upper outer layer (1) and the lower outer layer (5) are made of glass fiber fabric material, 10 upper interlayer (2) and lower interlayer (4) colemanite (2CaO.3B2O3.5H2O), chromium oxide (Cr2O3), ulexite (NaCaB5O9 .8H2O), tincal (Na2B4O7.10H2O), titanium dioxide (TiO2) and silicone sealant and central layer (3) aramid fiber fabric material structure It consists of the upper intermediate layer (2) and the lower intermediate layer (4), 25% by weight. colemanite (2CaO.3B2O3.5H2O), 5% chromium oxide (Cr2O3), 5% ulexite (NaCaB5O9 .8H2O), 15 5% tincal (Na2B4O7.10H2O), 10% titanium dioxide (TiO2), and 50% silicone sealant. It includes. In the second application, the upper outer layer (1) and the lower outer layer (5) are polyurethane coated glass fiber. fabric material structure, upper intermediate layer (2) and lower intermediate layer (4) colemanite 20 (2CaO.3B2O3.5H2O), nickel oxide (NiO), iron oxide (Fe2O3) and silicone sealant and The core layer (3) consists of aramid fiber fabric material structure. Top Intermediate layer (2) and lower intermediate layer (4) are 30% colemanite (2CaO.3B2O3.5H2O) by weight, 12% It contains nickel oxide (NiO), 8% iron oxide (Fe2O3), and 50% silicone sealant. The composite material includes glass fiber fabric, polyurethane-coated glass fiber fabric, and Aramid fiber fabric; especially for improving mechanical properties and durability. This increases the tensile, compressive, and torsional resistance of these fiber fabrics in composite materials. Increasing resistance under loads, especially the need for lightweight yet strong materials. It provides a significant advantage in applications where impact and fatigue are a concern. Additionally, it protects against 30-degree shocks and fatigue. It increases its resistance to external influences. Glass fiber, polyurethane-coated glass fiber, and Aramid fiber fabrics are a lightweight material compared to metals. Therefore, 9 The composite material's weight has been reduced while increasing its durability. Furthermore, this... The materials provide thermal insulation, and the composite material's chemical and environmental properties are excellent. It increases its resistance to the effects. Colemanite is a boron-containing mineral, and boron has the property of absorbing neutrons. 5 Boron compounds trap neutrons, providing effective shielding, especially against thermal neutrons. It creates a barrier that helps the material effectively block neutrons. Chromium oxide is a compound that can interact with both gamma and neutron radiation. It is a compound. Chromium, which has a high atomic number, absorbs these radiations better. It is able to absorb radiation. This provides a degree of protection against both gamma and neutron radiation. It is an effective element for providing sufficient armor. Ulexite is a boron-containing compound, and boron components effectively absorb neutrons. Its properties help this material provide neutron shielding. It also has 15 Water content also provides benefits in attenuating gamma rays. Tinkal is a mineral containing boron, and the properties of boron compounds to block neutrons... This is provided by the component. Additionally, boron, when combined with water, provides protection against gamma rays. It also has the effect of providing armor. 20 Titanium dioxide has little effect on attenuating gamma rays but is effective against neutrons. However, in some cases, it has the ability to reflect some of the light and radiation. This This feature contributes to the attenuation of gamma radiation. Silicone sealant, as a flexible and durable material, is generally used for structural integrity. It provides this. Direct interaction with neutrons and gamma rays is part of it. Additionally, The organic structure of silicon allows for better binding of some radioactive compounds. It can be helpful. However, its effect in providing direct shielding against radiation is limited. Used as a binder in composite materials, it improves the mechanical properties of the material. It increases its durability. Nickel oxide is a commonly used and effective material for attenuating gamma radiation. No. However, transition metal oxides, such as nickel oxide, especially high-energy gamma rays, It has the potential to provide limited shielding when interacting with light rays. It is possible. However, it has an effective absorption capability for neutron radiation. It has a significant effect on the absorption of neutron radiation within the composite. 5 Iron oxide (Fe2O3) attenuates both gamma and neutron radiation. Iron has a specific effect in this regard. Iron has the capacity to attenuate gamma rays. It is an element that possesses, but is generally not as effective as boron components against neutrons. It is not. However, Fe2O3 interacts with both gamma rays and neutrons, producing 10 It absorbs some of this radiation. Fiberglass is a material particularly known for its mechanical strength and lightness. The fiber's resistance to neutron and gamma radiation is as follows:  Neutron Radiation: Glass fiber effectively absorbs neutrons directly. 15 It does not have the capacity to do so. However, the composition and density of glass fiber, It helps to weaken neutrons. Glass, especially thermal neutrons. It has a low neutron capture radius, therefore glass fiber material, Neutron shielding has a limited effect.  Gamma Radiation: Glass fiber also has a limited effect in attenuating gamma rays. It has. It is not a material that can absorb gamma rays, because glass fiber its composition has a high atomic number that can interact with gamma rays The elements are not present, but partial absorption is possible. Polyurethane coating is a protective layer applied to fiberglass. Polyurethane Coating offers some advantages, but its effects on neutron and gamma radiation are 25. These are:  Neutron Radiation: Polyurethane, boron, and other materials that can capture neutrons. It does not contain glass fiber. Therefore, the neutron shielding effect of the polyurethane coating is similar to that of glass fiber. It is similarly limited. However, the mechanical properties of polyurethane coating on glass fiber are similar. It strengthens the structural integrity of the material by increasing its resistance. 30  Gamma Radiation: Polyurethane cannot directly block gamma rays. Polyurethane is generally resistant to gamma rays due to its low density. 11 It does not provide effective shielding. However, polyurethane protects against the effects of gamma rays. because it may contain small amounts of organic compounds that can weaken the quantity It has a limited effect. Aramid fiber fabrics, especially those known by the Kevlar brand, are extremely durable and They are lightweight materials. The effect of aramid fibers against neutron and gamma radiation is as follows: 5 It is as follows:  Neutron Radiation: Aramid fibers directly capture neutrons. They do not have the capacity. However, thanks to their density and structure, They help weaken neutrons. Structural integrity of aramid fibers. and its self-healing properties make neutron transfer 10 in some special applications. It can reduce them. However, aramid fibers are not suitable for complete neutron blocking. It is not enough.  Gamma Radiation: Aramid fibers have a structure that can absorb gamma rays. It is deficient. Aramid fiber fabrics can interact with gamma radiation. It does not have a certain intensity or atomic number. Therefore, gamma radiation is 15. They also offer limited protection against other factors. However, their fabric structure and flexibility make them superior to others. Increased effectiveness against gamma rays because it is combined with armor materials. has shown. 25

Claims

12 REQUESTS 1- The invention is a neutron shielding composite material based on elastic polymer, the characteristic of which is;  upper outer layer (1) and lower outer layer (5) with glass fiber fabric material,  colemanite (2CaO.3B2O3.5H2O), chromium oxide (Cr2O3), ulexite (NaCaB5O9 .8H2O), 5 The top layer contains tincal (Na2B4O7.10H2O), titanium dioxide (TiO2) and silicone sealant. layer (2) and sublayer (4),  It contains a central layer (3) with an aramid fiber fabric material structure. 2- The elastic polymer-based neutron shielding composite material mentioned in Claim 1. 10 Its composition is: 25% colemanite (2CaO.3B2O3.5H2O) and 5% chromium oxide (Cr2O3) by weight. 5% ulexite (NaCaB5O9.8H2O), 5% tincal (Na2B4O7.10H2O), 10% titanium dioxide It has an upper intermediate layer (2) and a lower intermediate layer (4) containing (TiO2) and 50% silicone sealant. It is characterized by its being. 3- The invention is a neutron shielding composite material based on elastic polymer, the characteristic of which is;  The upper outer layer (1) has a polyurethane coated glass fiber fabric material structure and lower outer layer (5),  colemanite (2CaO.3B2O3.5H2O), nickel oxide (NiO), iron oxide (Fe2O3) and silicon Upper intermediate layer (2) and lower intermediate layer (4) containing mastic, 20  It contains a central layer (3) with an aramid fiber fabric material structure. 4- The elastic polymer-based neutron shielding composite material mentioned in Claim 3. Its composition is: 30% colemanite (2CaO.3B2O3.5H2O) and 12% nickel oxide (NiO) by weight. The top intermediate layer (2) and the bottom intermediate layer containing 8% iron oxide (Fe2O3) and 50% silicone sealant 25 It is characterized by having a layer (4).