Polymer composite based thermal neutron detectors
AssigneeUniversity of Tennessee Research Foundation
InventorsDayakar Penumadu, Indraneel Sen, Rohit Uppal
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Abstract
Polymer composite neutron detector materials are described. The composite materials include an aromatic polymer matrix, such as an aromatic polyester. Distributed within the polymer matrix are neutron capture agents, such as 6LiF nanoparticles, and organic or inorganic luminescent fluors. The composite materials can be formed into stretched or unstretched thin films, fibers or fiber mats.
Claims25
A polymer composite comprising:
- a polymeric matrix material, wherein the matrix material comprises an organic polymer, copolymer or blend thereof, and wherein the matrix material comprises at least one aromatic polymer or copolymer selected from the group consisting of an aromatic polyester, an aromatic polyamide, an aromatic polyether, an aromatic polyimide, an aromatic polythioester, an aromatic vinylpolyether, an aromatic vinylpolyester, an aromatic vinylpolyamide, and an aromatic vinylpolythioester;
- a neutron capture agent distributed within the matrix material, wherein the neutron capture agent comprises a 6Li compound;
- and
- an organic or inorganic luminescent fluor distributed within the matrix material.
A polymer composite comprising poly(2-vinylnaphthalene) (P2VN) as a matrix material;
- 6Li salicylate or 6LiF as a neutron capture agent, wherein said neutron capture agent is distributed within the matrix material;
- and an organic or inorganic luminescent fluor distributed within the matrix material.
A fiber prepared from a polymer composite comprising 6Li salicylate or 6LiF as a neutron capture agent;
- a blend of poly(2-vinylnaphthalene) (P2VN) and polystyrene (PS) as a polymeric matrix material;
- and an organic or inorganic luminescent fluor, wherein said neutron capture agent and said organic or inorganic luminescent fluor are distributed within the polymeric matrix material.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.