BC-490 Plastic Scintillator Casting Resin General Description BC-490 is a partially polymerized plastic scintillator that is cured to full hardness by the end user. The scintillator thus formed is clear with scintillation and mechanical properties similar to those of Bicron's general purpose plastic scintillators. It is most frequently used in applications which require other materials to be imbedded in the scintillator, and which require the casting of unique shapes (often in special holders). BC-490 is supplied in complete kits with detailed instructions. Each kit contains three parts: partially polymerized scintillator resin, catalyst, and catalyst solvent. Kits are available in pint, quart and gallon (0.5, 1 and 3.8 liter) sizes. choose size to order Physical Properties Light Output 55% of anthracene Decay Time Approximately 2.3 nsec Wavelength of Max. Emission 425 nm Density 1.03 g/cm3 Refractive Index 1.58 Polymer Base Polyvinyltoluene No of H atoms per cm3 5.23 X 1022 No. of C atoms per cm3 4.73 x 1022 Ratio H:C atoms 1.107 No. of Electrons per cm3 3.36 X 1023 Instructions for Use This material is supplied in three parts, consisting of: Resin - the prepolymerized plastic phosphor Catalyst Solvent - vinyltoluene monomer to be used for dissolving the catalyst. The suggested method for preparing an ingot suitable for machining to a 2" X 2" sample is set out below. The quantities may be increased or decreased for different sizes of sample but should be used in the same proportions. Suitable molds for preparing samples may be made from glass, galvanized iron, tin, teflon, or aluminum. Copper and brass are to be avoided. Measure out 250 ml of Resin (this allows 15-20% for contraction) Weigh out 1.25 g of catalyst (0.5% of the resin volume). Dissolve catalyst in solvent making a 10% solution (12.5 ml in this example). The solution should be clear. Add this solution to the resin and mix thoroughly. Allow air bubbles to rise out of the stirred resin. Vacuum techniques may be employed. Pour into mold. Again remove air bubbles. Place mold in water bath and leave for 14 days at 47°C or until the plastic is not dented when a knife or pencil is pressed into it, then post cure for about 8 hours at 80°C. Best results are obtained if the material is polymerized in an oxygen free atmosphere. Employ a nitrogen atmosphere when possible. If a glass mold is used, cool with running water and break glass. Metal molds may be cut and peeled off. If a tapered teflon mold is used, cool with running water and break glass. 90% of the machining is eliminated if a tapered teflon mold is used. Note: If plastic is not sufficiently hard before being post cured, there is a strong tendency for bubbles to form. Machine to size and mount. All materials should be stored in a dark, cool place. If possible, keep in a refrigerator. Shelf life is 4-5 weeks. [ Cast plastic scintillators ] Organic Products | Inorganic Scintillation Products | Crystal Products Bicron RMP | Optics and Oxides | Crismatec | Product Search/Faq Company Profile | News | Contact Us | NE Technology | Home