The bakelite for the RPCs of the experiment CMS

Results from aging tests on the bakelite used for the CMS RPCs are presented. Samples of melaminic bakelite were exposed to a heavy gamma and neutron radiation. Data on the bulk resistivity were collected while accumulating gamma and neutron doses and particles fluence up to values well beyond those expected in 10 years of RPCs operation in the barrel region of CMS. The test with gamma radiation was performed at the CERN Gamma Irradiation Facility (GIF) with a 20 Ci /sup 137/Cs source. A total absorbed dose of 5 Gy was accumulated during an irradiation period of about one month. The test with both neutron and gamma radiation was held at the Triga Mark II 250 kW reactor located in Pavia. A total of 80 h of exposure were accumulated integrating a neutron and gamma dose of about 80 Gy and a fast neutron fluence of some 10/sup 11/ cm/sup -2/. Experimental data on dose rate in both the test facilities have been compared to simulation output and show a good agreement. (4 refs).