Borated Polyethylene Neutron Shielding
Offering highly effective neutron shielding, borated polyethylene features neutron moderation and absorption characteristics in a single, highly machinable polymer. When fast-moving neutrons interact with polyethylene, they lose kinetic energy and slow to thermal speeds; the boron additive then captures them through its high neutron absorption cross-section.
Radiation Protection Products provides 5%, 10%, and 30% borated high-density polyethylene products, providing neutron shielding solutions with secondary radiation control, supported by easy design and handling for custom solutions to meet the needs of your applications.
What is Borated Polyethylene?
Borated polyethylene is a specialized engineered plastic that combines hydrogen-rich polyethylene with boron, slowing neutrons and absorbing radiation emissions. This material effectively stops neutrons without producing secondary radiation, providing a lightweight, cost-effective neutron shielding solution to protect personnel and sensitive electronics across various industries and applications. It is available from Radiation Protection Products in 5%, 10%, and 30% boron content.
5% Borated Polyethylene for Neutron Shielding
As the most common grade and our standard product offering, 5% borated polyethylene features a density of 63–65 lbs./ft³ and a service temperature of -452°F to 185°F. Radiation Protection Products can provide borated polyethylene in standard size sheets (48" x 96" x 1"), as well as in blocks, slabs, and custom-size sheets. Our selection includes:
- Industrial Grade — Purple, 5% Boron by Weight*
- Grade III — Red, 2% Boron by Weight*
- Grade II — Yellow, 1% Boron by Weight*
- Virgin Polyethylene — Natural Color
*Nominal values. Custom and proprietary color.
10% and 30% Borated Polyethylene Shielding Products
To support environments with higher neutron activity, Radiation Protection Products also offers 10% borated polyethylene and 30% borated polyethylene. With higher-density solutions, more neutrons can be absorbed in tight spaces where thicker shields cannot fit, offering an effective solution for extreme radiation applications. Contact Radiation Protection Products to discuss your application requirements and determine whether a 10% or 30% borated polyethylene solution provides the best shielding for your needs.
Neutron Shielding Applications of Borated Polyethylene
Easy to work with, fabricate, and install, borated polyethylene offers an adequate shielding solution for a wide range of applications. It is designed to mitigate fast neutrons, thermal neutrons, as well as primary and secondary gamma rays, providing radiation protection across various use cases, including:
- Nuclear Reactors
- US Nuclear Warships
- Neutron Shielding Doors
- Personnel and Cargo Detection Devices
- Medical Vaults
- LINAC Doors
- Research Applications
- X-Ray Facilities
See how Radiation Protection Products utilized 4" of borated polyethylene and 4.5" of lead to convert an existing space at Georgia Institute of Technology into a shielded neutron generator room in our case study.
Borated Polyethylene for Duct Shielding
For radiation therapy vaults, borated polyethylene is often used to shield duct, pipe, sprinkler, and electrical penetrations. Typically, 1 or 2 inches of 5% borated polyethylene is required, in addition to some sheet lead, used inside or inside and outside the room to provide adequate shielding. It can be easily cut to size to meet your specific needs for duct shielding and other penetration shielding applications.
Why Choose Radiation Protection Products for Neutron Shielding Solutions?
With over 50 years of experience providing radiation protection, Radiation Protection Products is a family-owned business, offering exceptional staff expertise and responsiveness. Our full range of borated polyethylene concentrations makes sourcing neutron shielding solutions fast and easy, backed by a relationship-focused distributor who is available to answer your questions and provide attentive customer service.
Committed to meeting today's shielding challenges with high-quality products, customizable solutions, and decades of expertise, we are a proud partner to medical, nuclear, and other innovative leaders across industries. Contact us to discuss your borated polyethylene requirements or request a quote to get started today.
