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Title: {sup 6}LiF oleic acid capped nanoparticles entrapment in siloxanes for thermal neutron detection

Journal Article · · AIP Conference Proceedings
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1063/1.4955368· OSTI ID:22608515
; ;  [1];  [2];  [1]
  1. INFN, Laboratori Nazionali di Legnaro, Viale dell’Università 2, 35020 Legnaro (Italy)
  2. Department of Industrial Engineering, University of Trento, Trento (Italy)

The good light output of siloxane based scintillators as displayed under γ-rays and α particles has been exploited here to obtain clear and reliable response toward thermal neutrons. Sensitization towards thermal neutrons has been pursued by adding {sup 6}LiF, in form of nanoparticles. Aiming at the enhancement of compatibility between the inorganic nanoparticles and the low polarity, siloxane based surrounding medium, oleic acid-capped {sup 6}LiF nanoparticles have been synthesized by thermal decomposition of Li trifluoroacetate. Thin pellets siloxane scintillator maintained their optical transmittance up to weight load of 2% of {sup 6}Li. Thin samples with increasing {sup 6}Li concentration and thicker ones with fixed {sup 6}Li amount have been prepared and tested with several sources (α, γ-rays, moderated neutrons). Light output as high as 80% of EJ212 under α irradiation was measured with thin samples, and negligible changes have been observed as a result of {sup 6}LiF addition. In case of thick samples, severe light loss has been observed, as induced by opacity. Nevertheless, thermal neutrons detection has been assessed and the data have been compared with GS20, based on Li glass, taken as a reference material.

OSTI ID:
22608515
Journal Information:
AIP Conference Proceedings, Vol. 1753, Issue 1; Conference: Latin American symposium on nuclear physics and applications, Medellin (Colombia), 30 Nov - 4 Dec 2015; Other Information: (c) 2016 Author(s); Country of input: International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA); ISSN 0094-243X
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English

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