PolyCast Neutron Shield | JCS Nuclear Solutions

JC259 & JC259Z-4 are a field-castable dry mix that provides excellent neutron shielding characteristics.

It is typically cast into closed containers and retains its hydrogen content even at elevated temperatures. JC259 contains 0.9% boron. For better thermal neutron attenuation JC259Z-4 contains 4% boron.

JC259 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 JC259 is 150 °F (66 °C), it will retain about 80% of its hydrogen content up to 300 °F (140 °C).

JC259 can be poured in layers and each layer forms a solid bond with the one underneath. It requires approximately 56lbs. of JC259 dry mix to produce 1 ft³ of cast material. The material is typically provided in fibre barrels weighing 165lbs (net).

Features at a glance

Excellent neutron shielding with 0.9% to 4% boron additive
Field-castable into closed containers
Maintains 80% of its very high hydrogen content up to 300°F
Uses include, walls, back filling and roof slabs for cyclotron facilities
Sets up in about 30 minutes, requires only mixing with water

Specifications

Composition Data (as cast):	JC259	JC259Z-4
Hydrogen atom density / cm³:	7.15 x 10²²	6.98 x 10²²
Hydrogen weight percent:	10.40%	10.10%
Boron atom density / cm³:	5.82 x 10²⁰	2.57 x 10²¹
Boron natural isotope distribution:	19.6% ¹⁰B and 80.4% ¹¹B	19.6% ¹⁰B and 80.4% ¹¹B
Boron weight percent:	0.91%	4.00%
Total Density:	1.15g/cm³ (72 lbs/ft³)	1.15g/cm³ (72 lbs/ft³)
Radiation Properties
Macroscopic thermal neutron cross section:	0.46 (cm⁻¹)	1.96 (cm⁻¹)
Gamma resistance:	5x10⁸ rad	5x10⁸ rad
Neutron resistance:	2.5x10¹⁷ n/cm²	2.5x10¹⁷ n/cm²
Physical Properties
State:	Solid composite with pellets	Solid composite with pellets
Colour:	White	White
Odour:	No odour	No odour
Machinability:	Poor	Poor
Compressive Strength:	Poor	Poor
Thermal Properties
Recommended Temperature Limit:	150°F (66°C)	150°F (66°C)
Chemical Properties
Chemical Name & Synonyms:	Borated hydrogenated mix	Borated hydrogenated mix
Trade Name & Synonyms:	JC259 Polykast	JC259Z-4 Polykast
Chemical Family:	Ca salt, B, polyolefins	Ca salt, B, polyolefins
Solubility in Water:	<1% (cast)	<1% (cast)
Reactivity Data
Reactive Metals and Metal Compounds:	Aluminium
Material Incompatibility
Materials to Avoid:	Water, potassium and acetic anhydride.
	Not compatible with aluminium housings
Gas:	C, CO, CO₂, H₂O, organic vapours
Hazardous Polymerisation:	Will Not Occur