High Filled Composite Materials based on Ultrahigh Molecular Weight Polyethylene and Boron: Neutron Protective and Mechanical Properties

Composites based on UHMWPE and amorphous boron with a boron content from 20 to 73 wt % (10–52 vol %) were synthesized by polymerization filling method. The effectiveness of radiation protection against fast and thermal neutrons and the mechanical properties of materials depending on the degree of filling are investigated. According to the results of the study, the obtained highly filled composites combine high characteristics of neutron protection with high compressive strength and the ability to plastic deformation.