Borated UHMW-PE (BPE) is an ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene matrix uniformly loaded with a boron-bearing neutron absorber—typically boron carbide (B₄C)—at specified weight percentages. The hydrogen-rich UHMW-PE moderates fast neutrons, while B-10 captures thermal neutrons via the (n,α) reaction, converting them into low-energy, non-penetrating reaction products. BPE combines low density, high toughness, wear resistance, and easy machinability, making it ideal for shielding designs in medical radiotherapy facilities, research labs, NDT systems, and nuclear engineering.
For mixed radiation fields that include gamma rays (γ), BPE is commonly combined with high-Z materials (e.g., lead or steel) to form a composite neutron-plus-gamma shielding system.
Moderation: Hydrogen in UHMW-PE efficiently slows fast neutrons to thermal energies.
Capture: B-10 in the borated phase absorbs thermal neutrons (n,α → ⁷Li + α), removing them from the field.
Composite Shielding: Pair BPE with lead/steel where γ attenuation is also required.
High neutron effectiveness: Configurable boron loading 5 / 10 / 15 / 20 / 30 wt% to balance performance, thickness, and cost.
Lightweight & tough: Much lighter than metal shielding; excellent impact resistance and crack-propagation resistance.
Chemically durable: Low water uptake, good dimensional stability, broad chemical resistance.
Easy to machine: Sawing, drilling, routing, CNC pocketing, dovetails, counterbores, inserts, and chamfers.
Clean & low maintenance: Non-porous surface; optional UV-stabilized or flame-retardant grades available (rating depends on formulation/testing).
Composite options: Can be factory-laminated to lead, stainless steel, or aluminum backers for one-piece modules and faster installation.
Medical & research: LINAC maze/door infills, cyclotron areas, hot-cell panels, PET/CT support labs (neutron-related zones).
Industrial NDT: Neutron radiography bunkers, collimators, and portable shielding blocks.
Nuclear engineering / pilot facilities: Shielded doors, equipment guards, transport casks and container liners.
Oil & gas logging / isotope work: Tooling liners, source handling boxes and workstations.
Education & science centers: Demonstration fixtures, mobile shielding screens.
Boron content (wt%): B5 / B10 / B15 / B20 / B30 (other loadings on request)
Base resin: UHMW-PE (PE1000 grade), compression-molded
Standard sizes: 1220×2440 mm, 1000×2000 mm, 1200×2400 mm (custom cut-to-size & panelization available)
Thickness range: 5–120 mm (thicker by multi-layer bonding or one-shot molding subject to tooling)
Colors: Natural or black as standard; identification colors on request
Surface finish: Saw-cut or precision face-milled (recommended for bonding)
Tolerances/flatness: Project-level control available (e.g., ±0.5 to ±1.0 mm thickness per requirement)
Supply forms: Full sheets, blanks, or fully machined components to drawing
| Property | Unit | Typical Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Density | g/cm³ | 0.95–1.10 | Increases with boron loading |
| Shore D hardness | — | 65–70 | Formulation dependent |
| Tensile strength | MPa | 20–25 | Direction & thickness dependent |
| Notched impact | — | High / no break | Verify on final thickness |
| Water absorption (24 h) | % | ≤0.01 | Excellent dimensional stability |
| Continuous service temp. | °C | −100 to +80 | Assess short-term excursions |
| Coefficient of friction | — | Low | Self-lubricating surface |
Values are typical and vary with boron content, thickness, and process. A Certificate of Analysis (COA) and boron content report can be provided per batch. Third-party neutron-attenuation tests can be arranged upon request.
CNC machining: Pockets, keyways, slots, dovetails, counterbores/countersinks, threaded inserts.
Large-area planing: Face-milling for tight thickness control and bonding readiness.
Composite builds: Surface or sandwich bonding with lead/steel/aluminum to achieve neutron-plus-gamma targets.
Hardware & sealing: Supply of fasteners, cover strips, gaskets, and labeling for system integration.
Shielding target: Determine boron loading and thickness from source strength, energy spectrum, and geometry.
Gamma component present: Add a high-Z layer (lead/steel) on the appropriate side of the BPE.
Geometry: Favor overlapped joints and maze-type seams to reduce streaming.
Environment: Choose UV-stabilized grades for outdoor/bright-light exposure; consider flame-retardant formulations if required.
Important: Final thicknesses and layouts must be validated by a qualified health physicist/radiation protection engineer for your site conditions and regulatory requirements.
Traceability: Batch retain samples; boron loading and dispersion spot-checks.
Packaging: Surface film + corner protectors + fumigated pallets/crates; export-ready.
Documentation: COC/COA, boron assay report, installation & maintenance guidance.
Grades: B5 / B10 / B15 / B20 / B30
Sizes: 1220×2440 mm, 1000×2000 mm, 1200×2400 mm; custom on request
Thickness: 5–120 mm standard; thicker via lamination
Finishes: Saw-cut or precision face-milled
Services: Cut-to-size, CNC to drawing, composite panels with lead/steel, kitted hardware
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