In 2006, the European Union adopted the Restriction of Hazardous Substances Directives, which the European Union and many other countries followed, including the United States. It called for suitable lead replacements in medical devices. Lack of appropriate substitutes allowed for extensions and many companies are working on developing suitable alternatives.
For decades, lead was the standard in radiation shielding. It was inexpensive, simple to process, and successfully offered protection. Lead, however, is toxic. No one wants to be near or around it anymore. Radiation, of course, isn’t good either. So, what offers sufficient lead replacement?
Many companies are developing high gravity, high-density metallic-filled polymers. Original equipment manufacturers want the new components to look and feel like lead. Such compounds are effective radiation shielding materials that are also cost-effective. As well, they’re pliable and practically eliminate the secondary operations that lead usually requires.
Ecomass Technologies
For nearly twenty years, Ecomass Technologies has been delivering innovative solutions through advanced composite materials and engineered thermoplastics. Specializing in high density and lead replacement applications, its high-gravity compounds can be utilized in a wide array of applications, including radiation shielding.
Ecomass Technologies has helped worldwide original equipment manufacturers and material processors develop environmentally friendly thermoplastic compounds that provide 100% lead equivalency shielding without any toxic components.
Ecomass Compounds
Ecomass Compounds are a line of patented, non-toxic, high-density thermoplastic composite materialsthat can be formulated using a variety of polymers and fillers to meet a wide range of customer needs. They can be used as a lead replacement in a variety of applications, including radiation shielding applications for nuclear reactors and x-ray tube housings.
Ecomass’lead free shielding compounds protect against gamma and x-ray sources, are Restriction of Hazardous Substances Directivecompliant, and do not contain any U.S. EPA identified hazardous or toxic materials.
Three factors determine the amount of radiation received from a source:
1. Time or Exposure
2. Distance from the Source of Exposure
3. Shielding
Ecomass designs material density and wall thickness to optimize shielding and deliver precisely what the customer needs at the optimal price point. Its tungsten polymer matrix delivers a lead-free, injection-moldable thermoplastic solution that overcomes all regulatory concerns and satisfies all radiation shielding needs. Plus, its competitively priced.
Ecomass Compounds have replaced lead in a variety of radiation shielding applications, including:
o Industrial x-ray shielding
o Medical x-ray shielding
o Temporary shielding at nuclear power plants
See Ecomass’ website to learn more about the compounds it’s developed for radiation shielding applications and their relevant case studies and/or fill out its RFQ form to learn how it can develop and deliver a thermoplastic radiation shielding solution to satisfy your needs.
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