Radiation-hard plastic scintillator with increased mechanical strength

Abstract

This paper describes possibilities of improving mechanical properties of radiation-hard plastic scintillator (PS) with additives by spatial cross-linking their polymer base. This allows improving the mechanical properties of the PS preserving their light yield and transparency. The cross-linked structure is formed in the PS matrix by copolymerization of the main monomer and cross-linking monomer which contains two active vinyl groups. 4,4'-Bis-(methylene-2-metacrylate)-biphenyl (BPBMA) was used as the cross-linking agent and derivatives of biphenyl and naphthalene as diffuse enhancers. Inserting the cross-linking agent and diffuse enhancers facilitate the increase of the PS mechanical strength retaining its functional properties.