Boron-containing polyethylene sheets are an innovative composite material in the field of nuclear radiation protection. Made with ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene or high-density polyethylene as the matrix, uniformly incorporating boron carbide or boron-10 powder, boron-containing polyethylene sheets have become a core material for neutron shielding due to their unique protective principle and excellent performance.

The protective mechanism of boron-containing polyethylene sheets has dual advantages: hydrogen atoms in polyethylene can efficiently slow down high-energy fast neutrons, while boron-10 can precisely capture the slowed thermal neutrons, converting neutron energy into harmless particles through nuclear reactions, thus achieving neutron radiation blocking. Simultaneously, this material is lightweight, with a density only 1/8 that of lead and 1/2 that of concrete, significantly reducing the load on equipment and buildings. Its high wear resistance, impact resistance, and self-lubricating mechanical properties, combined with acid and alkali resistance and anti-aging chemical stability, extend its service life. It can also be easily cut, drilled, and welded, facilitating the processing into various irregularly shaped protective components.

In terms of applications, boron-containing polyethylene (BPE) sheets are widely used in nuclear industry, medical, and scientific research fields. They are used in nuclear power plant reactor shielding walls, spent fuel storage container linings, radiotherapy room protection, and neutron source laboratory shielding, among other applications. They can replace traditional lead plates and concrete, overcoming the drawbacks of traditional materials such as being heavy, toxic, and difficult to process.

As a preferred material for neutron protection, BPE sheets, with their lightweight, high efficiency, environmental friendliness, and ease of processing, provide a reliable solution for nuclear radiation safety protection, becoming an indispensable key material in the modern nuclear industry and radiation protection field.

This article was edited and compiled by Henan Jinhang Engineering Plastics Co., Ltd. (www.upeplastic.cn), with Jinhang as the editor. The company focuses on the research and development and production of boron-containing polyethylene sheets. Reproduction is welcome, please indicate the source.