Mechanical properties of UHMWPE/Sm2O3 composite shielding material

UHMWPE have good effect to slow down fast neutrons and Sm2O3 can absorb the thermal neutrons. A new style UHMWPE/ Sm2O3 composite shielding material was manufractured by hot-press moulding method. The microstructure and mechanical properties were characterized by IR and SEM. The results indicate that Sm2O3 distributed continuously, evenly in UHMWPE, and the interface was combined closely. Hardness of UHMWPE/Sm2O3 composites increased at first and decreased and tensile strength decreased with the increasing of Sm2O3 mass fraction.