Design and performance of a novel neutron shielding composite materials based on AlSi10Mg porous structure fabricated by laser powder bed fusion

Available neutron shielding materials have shortcomings. In order to obtain a neutron shielding composite materials with good shielding performance, excellent mechanical property and strong designability, this study used laser powder bed fusion technology to form a porous structure of AlSi10Mg as a frame, and made a novel neutron shielding composite materials by adding epoxy resin/B4C mixed materials through negative pressure perfusion. The Gyroid structure of triply periodic minimal surface (TPMS) was used as the frame structure, and four different porosity ratios of 50%, 60%, 70% and 80% were designed. After morphological characterization and mechanical simulation, the frame structure was filled with epoxy resin/B4C mixed materials, and then compression test and shielding test were conducted respectively. Its compressive strength ranged from 39.16 to 135.6 MPa, and its shielding coefficient was found to be in the range of 2.98–4.09 cm−1. The results showed the compressive strength and shielding coefficient under different porosity frames, which could provide a reference for designing and applying new neutron shielding composite materials in the nuclear industry.