QUADRANT EPP’S BOROTRON® ENHANCED HDPE PROVIDES RADIATION SHIELDING

Tielt, Belgium – June, 2007 – Borotron® from Quadrant Engineering Plastic Products (Quadrant EPP) is a high-density polyethylene (HDPE) formulation enhanced with 5% elemental boron that provides extra shielding against electromagnetic radiation. The combination of boron within a matrix of HDPE, a naturally hydrogen rich material, results in an ideal product in nuclear shielding applications. Both boron and hydrogen are very good at absorbing free neutrons.

Potential uses include shielding for radiation therapy rooms, where the product in plate form is integrated into the wall structure. Other application environments where its properties bring similar benefits include nuclear research centers, nuclear power plants, power generation areas in nuclear submarines, production areas for nuclear detection devices and the equipment itself, and spacecraft exposed to radiation.

Marc Knebel, Quadrant EPP’s Market Development Manager for Radiation Shielding Products, reinforces the importance of consistent performance and quality in a critical product such as this: “Quadrant EPP has developed a manufacturing process and proprietary testing methods that help ensure that the boron is evenly distributed so the product performs as intended. We work in full cooperation with the industry and the users of the product to ensure the compliance of our products to their specifications.”

Borotron® plate is lighter than some other neutron shielding materials such as concrete, and easier to work with in construction than other options like water.

The new Quadrant EPP material is currently available in 2.5 x 122 x 245 cm (1” x 48” x 96”) plates from stock, with other custom sizes available upon request.

This is the first in a series of polymeric products under development at Quadrant EPP for use in high-radiation environments. Products for shielding other types of radiation including gamma rays are also being prepared for commercialization. “Quadrant EPP has a long history of providing unique products for critical applications, and backing them up with quality assurance and industry-specific test methods for quality assurance. This new line of products will be an excellent complement to our existing product portfolio”, says Knebel.

Reader enquiries

Quadrant EPP
Hardstrasse 5
5600 Lenzburg
SWITZERLAND
Switzerland
+ 41 62 8858 150
contact@​qplas.com
http://epp.quadrantplastics.com

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Notes for editors

About Quadrant EPP

Quadrant Engineering Plastic Products (Quadrant EPP) is the world's leading manufacturer of engineering plastics in stock shapes (rod, plate, tube) for machining. Other specialities include custom nylon castings and finished parts. Quadrant EPP's catalogue of General and Advanced Engineering Plastics covers the broadest range (in terms of materials and dimensions) of standard and custom shapes for machining. Products are available through a worldwide network of branch offices, technical support centres and authorized dealers.

Learn more about Quadrant EPP at www.quadrantplastics.com

About the Quadrant group

Quadrant, a global leader in high-performance polymer materials in the form of semi-finished and finished products with locations in 18 countries, generates annual sales of over CHF 800 million. The specialty engineering thermoplastics and composites manufactured and marketed by more than 2’400 employees worldwide are superior in performance to metals and other materials and are used in a growing number of applications, primarily in the capital goods industry. Together with leaders in a wide range of customer markets, Quadrant is continuously developing new areas of application. Thanks to its clear strategic orientation and focus, Quadrant has generated substantial added value for customers and shareholders since it was established in 1996 and is well prepared to continue expanding its market leadership in future.