Polymeric composites for radio- and radiation protection

A composite material based on UHMWPE filled with nanotungsten powder, boron nitride and carbon was prepared by mechanical mixing in a planetary mill, followed by thermocompression on the vulcanizing press. They were investigated radio- and radiation-absorbing properties and mechanical properties of test specimens of composite materials. Absorption coefficient of electromagnetic radiation increases by rising concentration of carbon in polymer composites. The neutron absorption coefficient only depends on the concentration of BN. The attenuation coefficient of gamma radiation depends on the concentration of tungsten in composites. These radio- and radiation-protective polymeric composites filled with nanotungsten can significantly weaken only low-energy gamma-ray flux.