Fabrication and characterisation of freestanding epoxy/ single-walled carbon nanotubes composites for low-level neutron sensing

Single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNT) is incorporated into the epoxy matrix using ethanol as a solvent for potential use for low-level neutron sensing. The uniformity of the distribution of the SWCNT within the epoxy matrix was confirmed with surface morphology, was further verified by XRD diffraction patterns, Raman, Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) Spectroscopy and photoluminescence (PL). The composites were exposed to doses of neutrons ranging from 10 to 200 mGy with an energy range of 0-11 MeV, and their effects on the structural and luminescence properties of the composites were evaluated using Raman, FTIR and PL emissions. Interestingly, spectral alterations, such as shifting PL signals and the disappearance of Raman/FTIR peaks, suggest chargetrapping centres, bond breaking, and defect generation. The PL emission showed spectrum broadening, a slight peak shift, and strong dose-response linearity with R-squared (R-2) of similar to 99 % and signal reproducibility within 5 %. The neutron response of these epoxy/SWCNT composites shows their potential for low-level neutron sensing.