DOI
https://doi.org/10.25772/CSNM-5723
Author ORCID Identifier
0000-0002-2489-2379
Defense Date
2023
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Science
Department
Mechanical and Nuclear Engineering
First Advisor
Dr. Jessika Rojas
Abstract
This thesis investigates the radiation shielding effectiveness of hafnium diboride (HfB2) reinforced epoxy composites, with the aim of enhancing radiation protection and safety in various applications. The study focuses on the development and characterization of HfB2-epoxy composites with varying weight percentages of HfB2 nanoparticles, as well as on the evaluation of their shielding effectiveness against gamma rays and thermal neutrons. The radiation shielding performance of the composites is assessed using gamma-ray spectroscopy and neutron counting, and the neutron attenuation efficacy is compared with that of 5% borated high-dense polyethylene. The results indicate that the HfB2-epoxy composites exhibit promising radiation shielding properties, with higher mass attenuation coefficients and lower half-value layers than some conventional materials. Overall, this study demonstrates the potential of HfB2-epoxy composites as effective and versatile radiation shielding materials, with implications for radiation protection and safety in diverse fields such as transportation and storage of radioactive materials, medical imaging, and nuclear power.
Rights
© The Author
Is Part Of
VCU University Archives
Is Part Of
VCU Theses and Dissertations
Date of Submission
5-12-2023