Experimental investigation of neutron shielding effectiveness of polyethylene, borax-epoxy resin, and concrete slabs

Authors

Arianne P. Ignacio ⋅ PH Department of Physical Sciences and Mathematics, University of the Philippines Manila
Herbert B. Domingo ⋅ PH Department of Physical Sciences and Mathematics, University of the Philippines Manila
Vallerie Ann I. Samson ⋅ PH Department of Science and Technology – Philippine Nuclear Research Institute
John Axl S. Lipardo ⋅ PH Department of Science and Technology – Philippine Nuclear Research Institute

Abstract

This study investigates the neutron shielding effectiveness of polyethylene, borax-epoxy resin, and concrete slabs using a californium-252 (²⁵²Cf) neutron source and a DINEUTRON dose meter. Shielding slabs with dimensions of 38.5 cm × 38.5 cm × 2.5 cm were fabricated, and dose rate measurements were recorded across varying slab thicknesses (2.5 cm, 5 cm, and 7.5 cm). Percent attenuation was calculated relative to an unshielded baseline. Linear regression analysis was used to model dose rate reduction per layer and evaluate consistency through the coefficient of determination (R²). Among the slabs, polyethylene demonstrated the highest attenuation due to its high hydrogen content, which makes it highly effective for moderating fast neutrons. Borax-epoxy resin, composed of 10% borax by weight, showed slightly lower attenuation. Its performance is attributed to the combined effects of resin-based moderation and boron content. Concrete exhibited the least attenuation, due to limited hydrogen content and the absence of neutron-absorbing elements. The results provide a comparative assessment of these slabs and highlight borax-epoxy resin as a viable, cost-effective alternative for neutron shielding.

Issue

2025: Proceedings of the 43rd Samahang Pisika ng Pilipinas Physics Conference

Article ID

SPP-2025-PB-24

Section

Poster Session PB (Theoretical Physics, High Energy Physics, Astrophysics)

Published

2025-06-17

How to Cite

[1]

AP Ignacio, HB Domingo, VAI Samson, and JAS Lipardo, Experimental investigation of neutron shielding effectiveness of polyethylene, borax-epoxy resin, and concrete slabs, Proceedings of the Samahang Pisika ng Pilipinas 43, SPP-2025-PB-24 (2025). URL: https://proceedings.spp-online.org/article/view/SPP-2025-PB-24.