B 4 C/NRL flexible films for thermal neutron shielding

Boron carbide/natural rubber latex (B 4 C/NRL) flexible films were prepared via dip-molding with B 4 C content in the range of 5–55 wt% for thermal neutron (0.0253 eV) shielding. B 4 C was well dispersed in NRL according to microscopic observation. Both the inside and outside surfaces of the film were smooth. For B 4 C/NRL flexible films, the minimum elongation at break was greater than 600%, the minimum tensile strength was greater than 12 MPa, and the hardness was in the range of 35–55 HA, which were suitable for preparing flexible wearable products. The attenuation efficiencies of the B 4 C/NRL flexible films for thermal neutrons were also calculated. The B 4 C/NRL flexible films exhibit good attenuation effect for thermal neutrons.