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Shieldwerx SWX-259

Polykast Dry Mix Neutron Radiation Shielding

Features

Inexpensive neutron radiation shielding
Field-castable into closed containers
Contains 0.9% boron and a very high hydrogen content
Sets up in about 30 minutes, requires only mixing with water
Comparable to PPB-9

Introduction

SWX-259 is a field-castable dry mix comparable to PPB-9. It provides excellent neutron radiation shielding characteristics. It is typically cast into closed containers and retains its hydrogen content even at elevated temperatures.

SWX-259 is mixed on-site with water and provides a hydrogen atom density that is roughly 6% greater than that of pure water. While the recommended temperature limit for SWX-259 is 150 °F (66 °C), it will retain about 80% of its hydrogen content up to 300 °F (140 °C).

SWX-259 can be poured in layers and each layer forms a solid bond with the one underneath. It requires approximately 56 lbs. of SWX-259 dry mix to produce 1 ft³ of cast material. The material is typically provided in fiber barrels weighing 165 lbs (net). SWX-259 is comparable to PPB-9.

Specifications

Composition Data

Hydrogen atom density / cm³: 7.1 x 10²²

Natural isotope distribution: 99.98 % ¹H
Boron atom density / cm³: 5.8 x 10²⁰
Natural isotope distribution: 19.6 % ¹⁰B and 80.4 % ¹¹B
Weight percent of all isotopes of boron: 0.9 %
Total Density: 1.15 g / cm³ (72 lbs. / ft³)

Radiation Properties

Macroscopic thermal neutron cross section: 0.42 (cm^-1)

Gamma resistance: 5 x 10⁸rad
Neutron resistance: 2.5 x 10¹⁷ n / cm2

Physical Properties

State: Dry powder containing granules
Color: White
Odor: No odor
Machinability: Poor

Compressive Strength: Poor

Thermal Properties

Recommended Temperature Limit: 150 °F (66 °C)

Chemical Properties

Chemical Name & Synonyms: Borated Hydrogen-loaded castable dry mix
Trade Name & Synonyms: SWX-259 Castable Poly
Chemical Family: Calcium salt, borate, polyolefin

Formula: Mixture of silicone plus boron compound
Solubility in Water: <1 % (cast)

Reactivity Data

Reactive Metals and Metal Compounds: Aluminum

Material Incompatibility

Materials to Avoid: Water, potassium and acetic anhydride. Not compatible with aluminum housings.

Gas: C, CO, CO₂, H₂O, organic vapors

Hazardous Polymerization: Will not occur

Technical Information

Other Shieldwerx Shielding Products

For more information or to request a quotation, please contact us

by phone at: (865) 947-5123 or by email at: sales@deqtech.com.