Effect of compression pressure on the characteristics of radiation protective composites

The results of a study of the influence of compaction pressure on the characteristics of radiation-protective composites based on polyethylene and boron carbide B$_4$C are presented. Using software modeling, the temperature range for heating a mold of a given size was selected. The required holding time of the composite was determined experimentally, and defects that arise from various deviations from the optimal temperature parameters were identified. The results of testing the strength of samples under various pressing pressure conditions are presented, and the optimal pressure value is found. A composite was obtained with the following mechanical characteristics under optimal pressing conditions: density (1.09 $\pm$ 0.01) g/cm$^3$, bending strength (5.72 $\pm$ 0.18) MPa, sound velocity in the composite (2050.00 $\pm$ 0.01) m/s.