2025 - Sustainable Industrial Processing Summit
SIPS2025 Volume 5. Meyers Intl. Symp. / Composite
| Editors: | F. Kongoli, P. Assis, H.A.C. Lopera, S. Diaz, S.N. Monteiro, V.S. Candido |
| Publisher: | Flogen Star OUTREACH |
| Publication Year: | 2025 |
| Pages: | 316 pages |
| ISBN: | 978-1-998384-46-4 (CD) |
| ISSN: | 2291-1227 (Metals and Materials Processing in a Clean Environment Series) |
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SIMULATION OF SiC-REINFORCED ARAMID-FIQUE EPOXY COMPOSITES FOR GAMMA AND NEUTRON RADIOLOGICAL PROTECTION
Thomaz Jacintho Lopes1; Marc Meyers2; Sergio Monteiro1;1MILITARY INSTITUTE OF ENGINEERING, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; 2UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA SAN DIEGO, La Jolla, United States;
Type of Paper: Regular
Id Paper: 63
Topic: 18
Abstract:
This study evaluates the radiological shielding performance of hybrid composites comprising aramid and fique fabrics embedded in an epoxy polymer matrix, reinforced with silicon carbide (SiC), through Monte Carlo N-Particle (MCNP) simulations. The research focuses on assessing the attenuation of both gamma radiation and neutrons by analyzing photon and neutron flux across composite layers and energy deposition within the material structure. The MCNP code was employed to model the interactions of gamma photons and neutrons with the composite, exploring variations in SiC concentration, layer thickness, and fabric stacking configurations. SiC, valued for its high density and neutron absorption capabilities, enhances the composite’s shielding efficiency while maintaining mechanical robustness. The results demonstrate significant reductions in gamma photon and neutron flux, with optimized energy absorption driven by the synergistic effects of aramid’s tensile strength, fique’s sustainable properties, and SiC’s superior radiation interaction characteristics. The simulations reveal the influence of composite design on dual-protection effectiveness, offering insights into lightweight, eco-friendly materials for radiological shielding in medical, nuclear, and aerospace applications. This work establishes a foundation for experimental validation and further optimization of SiC-reinforced hybrid composites, advancing sustainable, high-performance solutions for comprehensive radiation protection.