Specifically designed for neutron shielding, borated polyethylene is a cost-effective and lightweight shielding solution that moderates or slows down neutrons, absorbs slow neutrons, and shields against any resulting radiation.
Absorbing slow neutrons: Materials with high neutron capture cross-sections like boron easily absorb slow, or thermal, neutrons. Boron’s neutron capture cross-section is 2000 times more than hydrogen.
Shielding against any resulting radiation: In the case certain absorber materials such as cadmium a strong emission of gamma (v) rays accompany the absorption of neutrons requiring additional shielding to weaken the effect of the gamma (v) rays. This phenomenon is much less important for boron as a neutron absorption material and results in a significantly reduced energy dosage of only 0.42 MeV.
Borated polyethylene is lightweight and workable, making it the perfect choice for neutron shielding.
