DEVELOPMENT AND CHARACTERIZATION OF POLYMERIC COMPOSITES AS SHILEDING FOR IONIZING RADIATION.

Abstract

In this project, the use of HDPE incorporated with oxide fillers will be studied to obtain a composite with radiation barrier properties. Therefore, this developed material must have high durability so that its use in nuclear installations is possible without the need for constant exchange of this material within these installations, which increases maintenance costs. The oxides (fillers) will be added to provide barrier properties to HDPE, improve its mechanical properties, postpone the aging of the polymer and increase its durability. Furthermore, the results to be obtained will also provide knowledge about the interaction of ionizing radiation with the polymer and its effects of degradation and/or cross-linking of the polymer chain. The development of HDPE incorporated with magnesium hydroxide ((MgOH) 2 ), aluminum oxide (Al 2 O 3 ) or antimony oxide (Sb 2 O 3 ) with different formulations can be developed by the visiting professor based on his publications and on the structure and technical capability of the host group. (AU)