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In this paper, a novel approach to evaluate the neutron shielding performance of multiphase neutron absorber reinforced aluminum matrix composites was proposed through the establishment of a direct relationship between equivalent B areal density (EBAD) of the composite and its thermal neutron shielding coefficient. It was found when the EBAD of the composite was 0.1105 g/cm2, the thermal neutron shielding coefficient will achieve 99%. Based on this proposed approach, (1% Gd+15% B 4 C)/6061Al composite plates were successfully fabricated using vacuum hot pressing method followed hot rolling. The results showed that when the EBAD of the composite was 0.1871 g/cm2, the thermal neutron shielding coefficient was above 99.9%, which was consistent with the theoretical calculation. The 5 mm-thick composite plate also had a good shielding effect on the Am-Be neutron source. Meanwhile the composite possessed a 380 MPa tensile strength as well as an elongation of 5% after hot rolling. In all, the (Gd + B 4 C)/6061Al composite designed in this paper showed better comprehensive performance compared with the literature's. The work of this paper has a great guiding significance for the design and preparation of neutron absorbing composites with high thermal neutron shielding performance as well as high strength and plasticity. Image 1 • EBAD was proposed to evaluate neutron shielding performance of composites. • The direct relationship between EBAD and thermal neutron shielding performance was established. • The idea of equivalent substitution for the design of composites with good performance is of great significance. • (1%Gd+15%B 4 C)/6061Al composite possessed good mechanical and neutron shielding properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]