About this Abstract |
| Meeting |
2026 Annual International Solid Freeform Fabrication Symposium (SFF Symp 2026)
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| Symposium
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2026 Annual International Solid Freeform Fabrication Symposium (SFF Symp 2026)
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| Presentation Title |
Powder Quality and SLS Processability of ZrB₂/PA12 Composites for Neutron Shielding |
| Author(s) |
Melannie Wagoner, Arturo Hernandez-Barreto, Desiderio Kovar, Sheldon Landsberger |
| On-Site Speaker (Planned) |
Melannie Wagoner |
| Abstract Scope |
Traditional neutron shielding materials such as concrete are increasingly impractical for mass- and space-constrained applications, driving demand for lightweight alternatives. Polymer–ceramic composites offer a compelling solution by integrating hydrogen-rich matrices for fast neutron moderation with neutron-absorbing ceramic fillers. In this work, zirconium diboride (ZrB₂) was incorporated into nylon 12 (PA12) at loadings of 10–60 vol% for fabrication via selective laser sintering (SLS). PA12 moderates fast neutrons while boron within ZrB₂ provides thermal neutron absorption, and ZrB₂ may further enhance thermal conductivity during processing. Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA) verified filler content in printed parts, with larger-scale furnace burn-off analyses currently underway to improve measurement representativeness. Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) revealed that the SLS processing window (ΔT) remained stable at approximately 36 °C across all compositions, ruling out window narrowing as the cause of reduced printability at high loadings and implicating other limiting factors.
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| Proceedings Inclusion? |
Undecided |