Boron carbide composite apertures for small-angle neutron scattering made by three-dimensional printing

Apertures for small-angle neutron scattering prepared from a boron carbide/polymer composite have been made by three-dimensional printing using fused filament fabrication. Use of enriched ¹⁰B₄C gives higher absorption and much lower parasitic scattering than natural B₄C. The simple fabrication, the capability to replace toxic and environmentally hazardous materials such as cadmium, and the possibility to diminish the secondary background of γ-radiation are attractive features of use of these materials. Complex shapes, apart from apertures, can be fabricated readily with this composite, for example, to make shielding for instrument components and masks used to calibrate detectors.