BC-440, BC-440M, BC-448, BC-448M
High temperature
The BC-440 series are made from a specially modified polyvinyl toluene base and are intended to bring the premium scintillator performance characteristics of BC-408 and BC-412 to high-temperature environments. This family of scintillators provides the high-temperature characteristics of polystyrene-based scintillators without the diminished light yield associated with such formulas.
The base formulas have a softening point of 99°C, while formulas with the “M” designation are crosslinked and are designed for use at temperatures up to 150°C. *At high temperatures, the “M” series will soften and become rubber-like but retain their shape. Some deformation may occur if the scintillators are subjected to external forces. When the scintillators are intended for use at temperatures above 80°C for long periods of time, they should be protected from air to prevent oxidation.
The scintillators are soluble in aromatic solvents, chlorine, acetone, etc. They are insoluble in water, dilute acids & alkalis, lower alcohols, silicone fluid, grease. Scintillators with the “M” designation are more resistant to aromatic solvents, but some swelling of the base and leeching of the scintillation solutes are likely.
Specifications
| BC-440 | BC-440M | BC-448 | BC-448M | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Light Output, %Anthracene | 60 | 60 | 64 | 64 |
| Decay Time (ns) | 3.3 | 3.3 | 2.1 | 2.1 |
| Wavelength of Max. Emission, nm | 434 | 434 | 425 | 425 |
| Bulk Light Attenuation Length, cm | >400 | >400 | 380 | 380 |
| Atomic Composition | ||||
| No. H Atoms per cc (x1022) | 5.23 | 5.21 | 5.23 | 5.23 |
| No. C Atoms per cc (x1022) | 4.74 | 4.74 | 4.74 | 4.74 |
| No. of Electrons per cc (x1023) | 3.37 | 3.37 | 3.37 | 3.37 |
| BC-440 | BC-440M | BC-448 | BC-448M | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Softening point °C | 99 | *See note | 99 | *See note |
| Tensile Strength (MPa ±4) | 34 | 34 | ||
| Flexural Strength (MPa ±6) | 50 | 50 | ||
| Tensile Modulus (MPa ±300) | 2600 | 2600 | ||
| *At high temperatures, the “M” series will soften and become rubber-like but retain their shape. | ||||
These plastic scintillators can be made in various shapes and sizes.
Standard cast sheet sizes:
- 0.5 - 1 mm thick 30 x 60 cm (0.020 – 0.040” thick 11.81” x 23.62”)
- 1.5 mm thick 30 x 101 cm (0.059” thick 11.81” x 39.76”)
- 2 mm thick 45 x 101 cm (0.078” thick 17.72” x 39.76”)
- 3 mm thick 63 x 101 cm (0.118” thick 24.8” x 39.76”)
- 5, 6.4, 10, 12.7, 20, 25, 38 and 50 mm thick 63 x 203 cm (0.197”, 0.25”, 3.937”, 0.5”, 0.787”, 0.984”, 1.496”, 1.968” thick 24.8” X 79.92”)
- 75, 100, 125, 150 mm thick 60 x 101 cm (2.953”, 3.937”, 4.921”, 5.906” thick 23.62” x 39.76”)
Special large cast sheets are available for thicknesses above 5mm
| Base | Polyvinyltoluene |
| Density [g/cc] | 1.03 |
| Expansion Coefficient (peroC,<67oC) | 7.4X10-5 |
| Refractive index | 1.58 |
| Radiation Length (cm) | 43 |
