- 15 August 2007 -
Boron-enhanced HDPE protects against radiation

Quadrant Engineering Plastic Products (EPP) is introducing Borotron^®, a high-density polyethylene (HDPE) formulation enhanced with 5% elemental boron that is said to provide extra shielding against electromagnetic radiation. The product is the first in a series of polymeric products under development at Quadrant EPP for use in high-radiation environments.

The combination of boron within a matrix of HDPE, a hydrogen rich material, results in an ideal product in nuclear shielding applications, as both boron and hydrogen are very good at absorbing free neutrons. According to Marc Knebel, Quadrant EPP’s market development manager for radiation shielding products, the company has developed a manufacturing process and proprietary testing methods that help ensure that the boron is evenly distributed so the product performs as intended.

Potential applications include shielding for radiation therapy rooms, where the product in plate form is integrated into the wall structure. Other environments in which the product could be used are nuclear research centres, nuclear power plants, power generation areas in nuclear submarines, production areas for nuclear detection devices and the equipment itself, and spacecraft exposed to radiation.

Quadrant EPP; www.quadrantepp.com