Borated HDPE (High density polyethylene) is a product specially designed for nuclear shielding applications. The material employs 5% Boron by weight to shield neutrons in a variety of applications including high intensity X-rays, cancer treatment facilities, hospitals, nuclear submarines and nuclear power plants. Using this material as your shielding will be easier to install, maintain and use than the traditional lead lined products. While using a Polyethylene product may seem unusual, it performs as good or better than lead weighing many times as much. Borated HDPE is also lower in cost than most lead materials.
Key Benefits of Borated HDPE
Here's a comparison of Borated HDPE versus Lead and Concrete for radiation shielding applications:
Property |
Borated HDPE |
Lead |
Concrete |
Primary Shielding Function |
Neutron shielding |
Gamma/X-ray shielding |
Mixed shielding (moderate neutron & gamma) |
Neutron Absorption |
Excellent (boron captures neutrons) |
Poor (requires additional neutron shielding) |
Moderate (water content slows neutrons) |
Gamma Shielding |
Poor (low atomic number) |
Excellent (high atomic number) |
Moderate (denser than HDPE but less than lead) |
Weight |
Lightweight |
Very heavy |
Heavy |
Machinability |
Easy to cut, drill, and shape |
Difficult (requires special handling) |
Difficult (brittle, requires specialized tools) |
Toxicity & Environmental Safety |
Non-toxic, environmentally friendly |
Toxic (hazardous waste regulations apply) |
Non-toxic, but dust can be an irritant |
Durability & Corrosion Resistance |
Highly durable, moisture and chemical resistant |
Susceptible to oxidation and corrosion |
Good, but can degrade over time in harsh conditions |
Secondary Radiation (Bremsstrahlung) |
None |
High (requires additional shielding) |
Minimal |
Cost |
Moderate to high (depends on boron content) |
High (especially with additional shielding requirements) |
Moderate (depends on density and additives) |
Common Applications |
Nuclear reactors, medical therapy rooms, aerospace, research facilities |
X-ray rooms, industrial radiation shielding, nuclear power plants |
Nuclear reactors, radiation therapy rooms, structural shielding |
Applications of Borated HDPE
Customization & Availability
Borated HDPE is available in various thicknesses, sheet sizes, and custom-cut options to meet specific project needs. Our expert team can assist in selecting the right specifications for your application.
Contact Us
For more information on Borated HDPE or to request a quote, contact us today. Our specialists are ready to help you find the best radiation shielding solution for your needs!
Below is a data sheet summarizing the key properties and specifications of 5% Borated Polyethylene, a material commonly used for neutron shielding in various applications
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Request Fabrication/Machining ServicesGeneric Name
High Density Polyethylene
Available In
Sheet
Certifications
ASTM, ITAR Registered
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Type | Size | Length | Color |
---|---|---|---|
Sheet | 1/2" - 4" | 48”x96”, 48”x120” CTS | Green |
Give us your cut-to-size dimensions. We will precision-cut these plastics to your exact size. Additional sizes and colors available upon request.
Physical Properties | Units | ASTM | Results |
---|---|---|---|
Density | lb/in^3 | D1505 | 59.6 lbs/ft3 |
Mechanical Properties | Units | ASTM | Results |
---|---|---|---|
Tensile Strength at Yield | psi | D638 | 4000 |
Ultimate Elongation | % | D638 | >600% |
Flexural Modulus | psi | D790 | 200,000 |
Durometer Hardness | D2240 | 64 Shore D | |
IZOD Impact Strength Notched | ft-lbf/in | D256 | 2.99 |
Thermal Properties | Units | ASTM | Results |
---|---|---|---|
Heat Deflection Temperature @66 psi | °F | D648 | 171 °F |