Borotron HD050

Finish Plastics | High Performance Plastics

Borotron HD050 is a high-density polyethylene (HDPE) formulation enhanced with 5% elemental boron that has been used to provide extra shielding against neutron radiation. The combination of boron within a matrix of HDPE, a naturally hydrogen rich material, is used nuclear shielding applications. Hydrogen rich materials attenuate neutrons extremely well and boron has an affinity for absorbing thermalized neutrons. Borotron has been used as a medical and industrial shielding material to attenuate and absorb neutron radiation.  This easily fabricated polymer material also offers designers greater durability and function over a wider range of temperatures than traditional materials.

Borotron, in sheet form, is used for shielding in radiation therapy rooms, nuclear research facilities, nuclear power plants, nuclear powered ships, and in spacecraft exposed to radiation.

Borotron HD050 is a high density polyethylene base resin sheet that is enhanced with elemental boron. This engineered panel provides additional shielding against neutron radiation. HDPE is a hydrogen rich polymer that combined with boron within its matrix has proven successful in nuclear shielding applications.

Borotron is becoming a very key component in radiation neutron shielding as it is much lighter-weight than concrete and water and is much easier to design with and include in architectural engineering.

Borotron HD050 utilizes borontrioxide (B2O3) to obtain its elemental boron. Since borontrioxide is not composed purely of boron, a more intense level of B2O3 is required. Therefore Borotron products include a minimum or 16.1% of B2O3 to ensure that a 5% level of elemental boron is achieved.

A key component in the successful manufacture of Borotron is the homogeneity of elemental boron dispersion. This is crucial to the performance of neutron shielding. Testing methods and validation processes help ensure that a high level of quality is met.

FEATURES

Superior dimensional quality and flatness

Consistent density and homogeneity

Durable over a wider temperature range

Easy to handle and fabricate

APPLICATION

Borotron  is used in Neutron Radiation Shielding. Potential uses include shielding for radiation therapy rooms, where the product in plate form is integrated into the wall structure. Other application environments where its properties bring similar benefits include nuclear research centers, nuclear power plants, power generation areas in nuclear submarines, production areas for nuclear detection devices and the equipment itself, and spacecraft exposed to radiation.

Typical Properties

Physical

Measurement

 Value

 Testing Method

Water Absorption Immersion, Saturation

% by wt.

 --

ASTM D570 (2)

Water Absorption Immersion, 24 Hours

% by wt.

 --

ASTM D570 (2)

Density/Specific Gravity @ 73°F

 lb/in3

0.0365

ASTM D792

 

 

 

 

Mechanical

Measurement

Value

Testing Method

Compressive Modulus of Elasticity, 73°F

ksi

97.44

 ASTM D695

Hardness, Durometer, Shore 'D' Scale, 73°F

 -

71

 ASTM D2240

Tensile Modulus of Elasticity, 73°F

ksi

111.2

ASTM D638

Coefficient of Friction (Dry vs. Steel) Dynamic

 -

--

QTM 55007

Izod Impact (notched), 73°F

ft-lb/in

 0.9

ASTM D256 Type 'A'

Flexural Strength, 73°F

psi

4220

ASTM D790

Elongation at Yield

%

 --

-

Tensile Strength, 73°F

psi

2407

ASTM D638

Flexural Modulus of Elasticity, 73°F

ksi

126.6

ASTM D790

Tensile Elongation at Break, 73°F

%

4

-

Compressive Strength, 10% Deformation, 73°F

psi

 

ASTM D695

 

 

 

 

Thermal

Measurement

 Value

 Testing Method

Heat Deflection Temperature @ 264 psi

°F

116

ASTM D648

Coefficient of Linear Thermal Expansion (-40°F to 300°F)

μin/in-°F

110

E-831 (TMA)

Flammability, UL94

 -

-

-

Melting Point (Crystalline) Peak

°F

262

ASTM D3418

Continuous Service Temperature in Air (Max.) (1)

 °F

-

-

 

 

 

 

Electrical

Measurement

 Value

Testing Method

Surface Resistance

ohms/sq.

 >= 1.00e+12

ANSI/ESD STM 11.11

Surface Resistivity

ohm-cm

-

ANSI/ESD STM 11.11

Borotron HD050 Pictures