Home / Material / Borated UHMWPE And HMWPE

Borated UHMWPE And HMWPE

Based on UHMWPE or HMWPE with Boron addition is used for neutron protection.

Quantity:
Availability:





Inquire

Product Description

Boronated Polyethylene (Polyceramoplast with boron additive) is used as a material for neutron protection. It is designed to slow down fast neutrons and absorb slow (thermal) neutrons in radioactive processes and emission equipment. The light hydrogen atoms slow down fast neutrons, converting them into thermal neutrons, after which the boron nuclei capture the thermal neutrons with the emission of gamma radiation.

The gamma radiation it emits can be additionally shielded by layers of elements heavier than iron. These shielding layers are commonly integrated with the boronated polyethylene layer in a composite sandwich configuration. Thereby boronated polyethylene serves as a highly effective material within multi-layered radiation protection systems.

Product Advantage

Boron has a very large thermal neutron capture cross-section and is one of the elements with the highest thermal neutron capture cross-sections, enabling the material to achieve significant shielding effects with relatively small thicknesses of protective layers. Alternative materials such as cadmium or gadolinium compounds have application limitations: cadmium is toxic, while gadolinium is significantly more expensive (approximately 10 times the price of boron).

The selection of the polyethylene base material and its stabilization /modification treatment have a decisive impact on the durability and the retention of its physical and mechanical properties of the shielding system . This is because under radioactive irradiation, polyethylene molecular chains undergo cleavage, and the material ages and becomes brittle, similar to plastics without UV protection.

Product Operate Guide

Boron content: from 0% to 40%, in any increment

Cutting and manufacturing of parts according to customer drawings is available

Material Characteristics
Material	UHMWPE or HMWPE with boron addition
RAL Color	Not regulated
Dimensions,mm	Maximum 4100×2030
Thickness,mm	From 4 to 100
Density,g/cm³	0.94-1.30
Operating Temperature Range,℃	-250 to+130(short-term up to+160)
Impact Toughness	High
Chemical Resistance	High
Crack Resistance	High

FAQ

FAQs

Is it possible to use UHMWPE as a protection against abrasive wear (sandblasting)? The task is to protect a metal cement slurry feed nozzle from abrasion. Will an UHMWPE liner help protect the nozzle from wear? Or should we consider boron carbide?

For the specified purposes, using UHMWPE is not feasible—it will wear out quickly. Few materials can compare with ceramics in terms of wear resistance.

Polyceramoplast composites are effective against adhesion/freezing and chemical-abrasive wear in mining equipment, where covering large areas with expensive ceramics is economically impractical and where the service life of ceramics would be excessive.
An answer regarding cutting with a milling cutter or waterjet was mentioned above. Would a handheld router or an electric wood planer be suitable for chamfering?

Chamfering with manual tools is possible. The accuracy of the machining in this case depends on the skill of the operator.
How suitable is laser cutting for UHMWPE sheets of various thicknesses? What recommendations can you provide for laser cutting?

Laser cutting is not used for UHMWPE: the laser melts the edges, causing the material to lose its properties in the cutting zone, and yellowing occurs. Milling or waterjet cutting is recommended.
What is its resistance to ultraviolet light?

UHMWPE itself, without additives, is resistant to UV and thermal oxidation (unlike HDPE/LDPE). With the addition of stabilizers, its resistance increases to a level sufficient for several decades.
What is the procedure for establishing a warranty period for products (policy)?

Typically, we provide a warranty for the material's compliance with the specifications in the technical data sheet (wear resistance, tensile strength, impact toughness, etc.)—this can be considered the policy and the main aspect of the warranty.

In individual cases, we provide a warranty for the performance of the lining or product in a specific unit/mechanism (e.g., a "turnkey" bucket)—for up to 1 year. The decision is made based on a completed questionnaire.