Gamma Ray Shielding Property of Tungsten Powder Modified Continuous Basalt Fiber Reinforced Epoxy Matrix Composites

Continuous basalt fiber (BF) reinforced epoxy matrix composites with different contents of micro-tungsten powder were fabricated by hot-press process with prospective of combined radiation shielding and mechanical functions. Gamma photon shielding and mechanical properties of the composites were evaluated. The measured mass attenuation coefficient shows that tungsten filler significantly improves the radiation shielding property of BF composite, especially for low and moderate photon energies of 80 and 356 keV. Flexural strength of BF composite decreases along with increasing tungsten concentration, while flexural modulus and interlaminar shear strength are not obviously affected by tungsten content. Given the advantages of lightweight, high mechanical property and good radiation shielding performance, the studied BF/tungsten composite is promising material with integrated shielding and structural properties for use in nuclear industry. POLYM. COMPOS., 39:E2106-E2115, 2018. (c) 2017 Society of Plastics Engineers