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

 

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At a Glance

Generic Name
High Density Polyethylene

Available In
Sheet

Certifications
ASTM, ITAR Registered

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Technical Information

Stock Products Properties Applications Advantages

Stock Products

TypeSizeLengthColor
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.

Properties

Physical PropertiesUnitsASTMResults
Density lb/in^3 D1505 59.6 lbs/ft3

 

Mechanical PropertiesUnitsASTMResults
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 PropertiesUnitsASTMResults
Heat Deflection Temperature @66 psi °F D648 171 °F

Applications

  • MRI Rooms
  • Nuclear Submarines
  • Containment Cabinets
  • Cancer Treatment Facilities
  • Nuclear or Radiation Shielding
  • X-Ray Rooms
  • Imaging Machines
  • Containment Boxes
  • Nuclear Power Plants
  • Linear Particle Accelerators

 

  • MRI Rooms
  • Nuclear Submarines
  • Containment Cabinets
  • Cancer Treatment Facilities
  • Nuclear or Radiation Shielding
  • X-Ray Rooms
  • Imaging Machines
  • Containment Boxes
  • Nuclear Power Plants
  • Linear Particle Accelerators

Advantages

  • Lower cost than lead
  • Lighter weight than lead
  • Replaces lead in nuclear shielding applications
  • Standard is 5% boron by weight – HDPE base material
  • Can be certified to Mil-P-23536 A Type B (1/2%, 1%, or 2% Boron by weight)
  • Mil-P-23536 certified material is inspected per Mil-I-45208 A
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