Structure‐thermal activity relationship in a novel polymer/MOF‐based neutron‐shielding material

Abstract

Using epoxy resin (EP), a thermosetting polymer, as a neutron shielding material in nuclear facilities has become increasingly attractive because it is lightweight and has an excellent durability over neutron irradiation. However, it suffers from drawbacks such as reduced mechanical strength when mixed with functional fillers to improve the neutron shielding properties. In order to solve the issue, in this article, EP/gadolinium metal‐organic framework (Gd‐MOF) composites were successfully prepared, affording a new structural and functional composite with high thermal neutron shielding ability as well as good mechanical property. The shore hardness and Young's modulus of MOF/EP composites were increased remarkably compared with neat EP. Meanwhile, results indicated that the thermal performance of Gd‐MOF/EP composites was obviously increased with the addition of MOF fillers. The proposed mechanism of thermal stability improvement may provide deeper understanding of the structure‐activity relationship in thermosetting resin‐MOF composites for radiation protection application and other relevant academic research.

Organophosphorus-Functionalized Zirconium-Based Metal–Organic Framework Nanostructures for Improved Mechanical and Flame Retardant Polymer Nanocomposites

“…Furthermore, it is well acknowledged that the polymer chain dynamics are also greatly influenced by the presence of nanoparticles due to their intimate contact with the polymer matrix that is primarily referred to as interfacial interaction . In the case of the unfunctionalized MOF composite, there is no such interaction available in the system and the reinforced filler acts as impurities in the epoxy matrix, thus reducing overall mechanical properties of the composites . Additionally, the mechanical property of nanocomposites has been found to be potentially reduced due to the aggregation/agglomeration of the nanoparticles due to their high surface per unit volume .…”

“…50 In the case of the unfunctionalized MOF composite, there is no such interaction available in the system and the reinforced filler acts as impurities in the epoxy matrix, thus reducing overall mechanical properties of the composites. 51 Additionally, the mechanical property of nanocomposites has been found to be potentially reduced due to the aggregation/agglomeration of the nanoparticles due to their high surface per unit volume. 52 Abedini et al have reported that the presence of agglomerated MOF in the polymer reduces the mechanical properties by virtue of the chain disruption and augmented stress concertation around the agglomerated MOF particles.…”

Facile in Situ Polymer Functionalization Approach for Constructing Water-Resistant Metal–Organic Frameworks

“…Gamage et al prepared highly hydrolytic stable MOF-5-PS by grafting polystyrene to MOF-5 crystals. However, the extent to which the polymer intrudes into the internal pores due to the extremely rapid polymerization process could not be controlled. − Considering these facts, it is meaningful to develop a more efficient way for utilizing polymers to improve the stability of MOFs without sacrificing their origin gas sorption capacities.…”

Influences of Modified Sm2O3 on Thermal Stability, Mechanical and Neutron Shielding Properties of Aminophenol Trifunctional Epoxy Resin

“…Blending hydrogen-rich polymer matrix with high neutron cross-section absorbing elements can integrate neutron moderation and absorption. So, these materials are expected to become alternative materials for metals and concrete in nuclear facilities, such as polyethylene (PE) [ 14 , 15 ], high-density polyethylene (HDPE) [ 16 , 17 ], epoxy resin (EP) [ 18 , 19 ], ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) [ 20 ] and polyimide (PI) [ 21 , 22 ], etc. Although PE and EPDM matrix have good processability, they have low thermal stability and it is difficult to use them at a temperature higher than 100 °C for a long time.…”