Which plastics are suitable for use in nuclear engineering?
Which plastics are suitable for nuclear engineering? More on radiation resistance, PEEK, PPS, polyimide, PVDF & choosing the right material.
Which plastics are suitable for use in nuclear engineering?
Nuclear engineering places particularly high demands on the materials used. In addition to thermal stability, chemical resistance and mechanical strength, the radiation resistance of plastics plays a particularly important role. Components in nuclear facilities or in the vicinity of radioactive sources can be exposed to ionising radiation over prolonged periods. The plastic used must therefore be selected in such a way that its mechanical, thermal and electrical properties relevant to the application are retained as reliably as possible under the intended operating conditions.
Which materials are suitable depends, among other things, on the type of radiation, total dose, dose rate, temperature, mechanical load and the surrounding media. A general overview of the effect of radiation on different polymer materials can be found in our article on radiation-resistant plastics.
Radiation resistance of plastics in nuclear engineering
The radiation resistance of a plastic cannot be assessed on the basis of the polymer name alone. For material selection, the type of ionising radiation, the absorbed total dose, the dose rate as well as temperature, component geometry, mechanical load and ambient conditions must in particular be taken into account. High-energy radiation can, for example, cause chain scissions or crosslinking within the polymer structure and thereby alter strength, elongation or embrittlement behaviour. Technical information from other plastics manufacturers therefore also points out that general resistance values can only serve as a guide.
High-performance plastics such as PEEK, PI and PPS have proven particularly successful. These materials are characterised by the following properties:
Typical properties of suitable plastics:
- High radiation resistance to gamma and neutron radiation
- Thermal stability at temperatures up to over 250 °C
- High mechanical strength and dimensional stability
- Chemical resistance to coolants and cleaning agents
- Low outgassing under vacuum conditions
- Electrical insulating capability combined with low weight
Which plastics have a high radiation resistance?
For applications in nuclear engineering, materials whose property profile matches the actual radiation exposure are primarily suitable. PEEK and polyimide are among the high-performance plastics that are frequently considered for highly stressed applications. PPS combines thermal stability with high mechanical and chemical resistance. PVDF can be of particular interest when, in addition to radiation exposure, high chemical resistance and good processability are required.
For further material information, the Martan pages on PEEK, PPS and PVDF can be linked directly. The corresponding material pages are currently available on the website.
The existing comparison table is then to remain unchanged.
| Plastic | Radiation resistance | Temperature resistance | Further advantages |
|---|---|---|---|
| PEEK (polyetheretherketone) | Very high | Up to 260 °C | Extremely mechanically durable, chemical-resistant |
| PPS (polyphenylene sulfide) | High | Up to 220 °C | Low water absorption, flame-retardant |
| PI (polyimide) | Very high | > 300 °C | Excellent temperature and radiation resistance |
| ETFE (ethylene tetrafluoroethylene) | High | Up to 150 °C | Very good weathering and chemical resistance |
| PVDF (polyvinylidene fluoride) | Good | Up to 150 °C | UV- and radiation-resistant, good weldability |
Typical areas of application:
- Claddings, protective covers and insulators in reactor facilities
- Components in inspection robots and manipulator arms
- Seals and mounts in radiation-exposed areas
- Dosimeter housings as well as transport and storage containers for radioactive substances
These plastics are used wherever reliability under extreme conditions is required. Thanks to their combination of resilience, machinability and lightweight construction potential, they offer a high-performance alternative to metallic materials – particularly where weight, susceptibility to corrosion or electrical conductivity play a role.
Conclusion
Radiation-resistant plastics are an indispensable component of modern nuclear engineering. Their targeted selection is decisive for the safety and longevity of components in radiation-exposed areas. When used correctly, they enable reliable, economical and low-maintenance solutions.
