High Neutron Absorption Borated HDPE Sheets From Shandong Xinxing for Nuclear Fusion Facilities

2026-08-15 09:20

Application of Shandong Xinxing Borated HDPE Sheets in the Field of Nuclear Fusion

I. Application Background and Core Value

As a new generation of high-efficiency neutron shielding material, borated HDPE sheets play an irreplaceable role in safety protection during nuclear fusion experiments. Its core working principle relies on the high neutron absorption cross-section of boron‑10 isotopes and the neutron moderation property of hydrogen atoms in polyethylene, forming a dual protection mechanism of moderation and absorption. It effectively shields high-energy neutron radiation generated by nuclear fusion, ensuring stable operation of experimental devices and the safety of researchers.

II. Material Shielding Mechanism and Technical Characteristics

Borated HDPE sheets are vital for nuclear fusion experiments and serve as advanced high-performance neutron shielding materials that deliver critical safety protection for experimental equipment and scientific staff. The material takes advantage of the strong neutron capture capability of boron elements (especially boron‑10 isotopes), which works synergistically with the moderation performance of the polyethylene matrix to establish a dual protection mechanism: moderation first, followed by absorption.

  • High Shielding Efficiency: Depending on sheet thickness and boron loading, the neutron shielding rate of borated HDPE sheets can reach up to 98.7%.
  • Customizable specifications: thickness ranging from 10 mm to 380 mm, boron content adjustable from 1% to 40% to match different shielding zones.
  • Lightweight and High Mechanical Strength: Its density is far lower than traditional shielding materials such as lead, facilitating transportation, installation and structural design. Meanwhile, the material possesses good mechanical strength and impact resistance.
  • Radiation and Corrosion Resistance: Capable of long-term stable service under intense radiation and complex chemical environments with excellent anti-ageing and anti-corrosion performance.
  • Flexible Machinability: Products can be fabricated into components of various shapes and dimensions by adjusting boron concentration and thickness according to the requirements of experimental devices. We can produce design drawings based on application requirements and develop detailed assembly schemes.

 

 

 

 

 

Application of Shandong Xinxing Borated HDPE Sheets in the Field of Nuclear Fusion

III. Core Manufacturer: Shandong Ningjin Xinxing Chemical Co., Ltd.

Company Profile

Founded in 1989, the enterprise has specialized in radiation shielding materials for more than 30 years. Enterprise Type: A national high-tech enterprise and "Specialized, Sophisticated, Unique and Innovative" enterprise integrating R&D, production, sales and construction services.

Production Scale

  • Land Area: 200,000 square meters
  • Professional Team: 200 employees plus an independent technical R&D team
  • Industrial Layout: Established a closed-loop whole industrial chain system

Core Manufacturing Capacity

Production Lines

  • 40 sets of mould pressing production lines (for borated polyethylene and lead-boron polyethylene materials)
  • 25 extrusion production lines
  • Over 100 sets of machining equipment

Production Capacity of Borated Polyethylene Products

  • Annual output of UHMWPE products: 150,000 tons
  • Annual output of HDPE products: 200,000 tons

Processing Capacity

  • Maximum sheet dimension: 6000 × 2500 mm
  • Maximum sheet thickness: 380 mm
  • Customized machining and assembly solutions are available

IV. Product Portfolio & Customization Capability

1. Core Product Lines

  • Borated Polyethylene Sheets: Pure polyethylene matrix blended with boron additives
  • Lead-Boron Polyethylene Sheets: Composite lead layer for enhanced gamma-ray shielding
  • Lead Polyethylene Sheets: Designed for mixed radiation fields

2. Customized Services

  • Material Customization: Adjust boron content and thickness according to shielding requirements
  • Design Service: Provide professional design schemes and installation guidance
  • Shape Machining: Fabricate components with complex geometric profiles
  • Assembly Solutions: Offer modular assembly schemes for large-scale shielding structures

V. Quality Control & Authoritative Certifications

Management System Certifications

Integrated certification of three management systems:

  • ISO 9001 Quality Management System
  • ISO 14001 Environmental Management System
  • ISO 45001 Occupational Health and Safety Management System

Third-Party Test Reports

Tests conducted by CMA/CNAS accredited laboratories, including authoritative institutions affiliated with the China Academy of Engineering Physics and the Chinese Academy of Sciences.

VI. Application Solutions for Nuclear Fusion

1. Main Shielding Structures

  • Radiation Shielding Walls: Construct multi-layer composite shielding systems
  • Biological Shielding Layers: Deployed around core areas of fusion devices
  • Modular Design: Facilitates installation, maintenance and upgrading

2. Shielding for Special Positions

  • Observation Windows & Ports: Custom special-shaped shielding components
  • Pipeline Penetrations: Specially designed sealed shielding structures
  • Local Equipment Shielding: Targeted protection for specific instruments

3. Synergistic Shielding System

  • Inner Layer: Borated polyethylene sheets (neutron shielding)
  • Middle Layer: High-density materials (further neutron moderation)
  • Outer Layer: Lead or steel layers (gamma-ray shielding) The overall shielding performance is optimized for the neutron energy spectrum of fusion devices.

VII. Successful Application Cases

Nuclear Fusion Research Facilities

  • New-generation "Artificial Sun" devices: EAST and other tokamak facilities
  • Projects related to the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER)
  • Experimental devices at domestic fusion research institutes

Other Nuclear Technology Sectors

  • Nuclear Power Plants: Reactor shielding and spent fuel storage
  • Research Institutes: Neutron source facilities and accelerators
  • Medical Sector: Shielding for radiotherapy equipment and nuclear medicine protection

VIII. Technological Innovation & Industrial Contribution

Technological Breakthroughs

  • Optimization of material formulation: Uniform boron dispersion technology
  • Innovation in manufacturing technology: Mould pressing technology for extra-large sheets
  • Domestic Substitution: Break foreign technological monopolies and realize independent supply

Industrial Value

  • Support major national scientific projects: Supply critical materials for nuclear fusion research
  • Drive industrial chain development: Boost upstream raw material and downstream application industries
  • Improve international competitiveness: Product performance reaches advanced international standards

IX. Future Development Directions

Technology Upgrading

  • High-performance composite materials: Develop new materials with higher boron content and superior mechanical properties
  • Intelligent shielding materials: Intelligent material systems integrated with radiation monitoring functions
  • Multi-functional integration: Composite materials capable of shielding neutrons, gamma rays and X-rays simultaneously

Application Expansion

  • Engineering of fusion reactors: Develop shielding solutions for future commercial fusion reactors
  • Space Nuclear Power: Radiation shielding materials for spacecraft
  • Civil Nuclear Technology: Radiation protection for industrial inspection and safety monitoring

Conclusion

With 30 years of technical accumulation and whole-industry-chain manufacturing capacity, Shandong Ningjin Xinxing Chemical Co., Ltd. has become a core supplier of shielding materials for nuclear fusion in China. The borated polyethylene sheets manufactured by the company not only break foreign monopolies, but also provide solid support for the safe advancement of controlled nuclear fusion research in China. As nuclear fusion technology continues to evolve, the company will keep playing a vital role in the R&D and application of high-performance shielding materials, contributing to the future of clean energy.