Preparation, microstructure and capability of Sm₂O₃/epoxy resin composite and polyacrylic acid samarium/epoxy resin composite

Sm₂O₃/epoxy resin composite materials were prepared by the method of surface treatment. Polycyclic acid samarium(Sm(AA)₃)/epoxy resin composite materials were prepared via the route of graft copolymerization. The composite materials microstructure was studied and compared by X-ray diffraction(XRD) and scanning electron microscope(SEM). The mechanical property of the materials was also tested and compared. Gamma energy spectrum system and Gamma vision software were used to measure and calculate their radiation shielding property. The results show that preparation of Sm(AA)₃/epoxy resin composite is more complex and the element of Sm in it is more homogeneous. Its mechanical property is better than Sm₂O₃/epoxy resin composite . But the concentration of Sm in polyacrylic acid samarium/epoxy resin can only increase to 11%. For low energy photon, concentration of Sm is the key factor that can affect the shield capability of the composite while distribution of Sm is the key factor for high energy photon.