Simulation of neutron attenuation and wear resistance/hardness properties of Gd2O3/UHMWPE composites with surface treatment of the filler

This work aimed to investigate neutron shielding properties of ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene
(UHMWPE) with the addition of 0–50%wt Gd₂O₃ through the simulation using NGCal. The results showed that both linear and mass attenuation coefficient (μ and μm) of the UHMWPE composites were increased with increasing Gd₂O₃ contents. This work also determined effects of surface modification of Gd₂O₃ on wear
resistance and hardness properties of the composites. The surface modification of Gd₂O₃ was carried out using a silane coupling agent, namely KBE903, with varying contents of 5% wt, 10% wt, and 20% wt. The results indicated that Gd₂O₃/UHMWPE composites with 20% wt of a silane coupling agent exhibited the highest wearresistance, with slightly increases in hardness properties. In summary, the outcomes from this work could be applied for the development of highly effective transporting casks for the containment of radioactive materials.