Borated HDPE

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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

• Superior Neutron Shielding – The boron content effectively absorbs and attenuates neutron radiation, making it an excellent choice for shielding applications.
• Durable & Lightweight – Compared to traditional radiation shielding materials like lead or concrete, borated HDPE offers high durability while remaining lightweight and easy to handle.
• Chemical & Moisture Resistance – Its inherent resistance to chemicals and moisture makes it suitable for a variety of environments, including humid or corrosive conditions.
• Ease of Fabrication – Borated HDPE can be machined, cut, and welded to meet specific design requirements.
• Non-Toxic & Environmentally Friendly – Unlike lead shielding, borated HDPE is non-toxic, making it a safer alternative for both personnel and the environment.

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

• Nuclear Power Plants – Used in shielding walls, containment structures, and reactor areas to protect against neutron radiation.
• Medical & Research Facilities – Ideal for PET scan rooms, linear accelerator shielding, and radiation therapy centers.
• Industrial & Defense – Applied in radiation shielding for aerospace, military, and industrial applications where neutron exposure is a concern.
• Storage & Transportation – Utilized for shielding radioactive materials and waste during storage and transport.

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