Section of IEC 60544 introduces a classification system designed to facilitate the selection and indexing of insulating materials that are intended for use in the radiation-laden environments found in nuclear reactor plants, fuel processing plants, irradiation centers, particle accelerators, and X-ray equipment.
The classification system offers a range of parameters that delineate the suitability of three categories of polymer materials (rigid plastics, flexible plastics, elastomers) for deployment in devices exposed to ionizing radiation. This section of IEC 60544 serves as the foundation for a quantitative assessment of the materials’ compatibility with radiation environments, thereby offering guidance for material specifications and facilitating procurement agreements between suppliers and end-users.
