Japan Develops Radiation Detectors with Plastic Bottles

Japanese researchers use sensors made from plastic bottles to make radiation-sensing sensors that can be used in radiation detectors, potentially reducing costs by as much as 90%.

Nakamura Hidenaka, an assistant professor at Kyoto University, cooperated with Teijin to design a sensor made of PET material that can be used to make small radiation detectors and larger models of radiation readings.

PET, polyethylene terephthalate, is widely used in plastic beverage bottles. The researchers used a beverage bottle to make a plastic resin. It was found that this material emits fluorescence when irradiated, and it has good strength, flexibility, and low cost and can be used as a sensor in a radiation detector.

At present, most of the sensor materials on the Japanese market are imported from France's Saint-Gobain company, which is more expensive.

Teijin's public relations department estimates that the sensor will sell for about 10,000 yen (about US$130), which is 90% cheaper than the existing products in the market. It will supply some government departments and companies as early as next month.

Teijin's sales manager Ishii Toru told Reuters, “Our goal is to make the final product by the end of September,” namely the radiation detector, which will be used by government agencies and companies in September and October to gradually supply the public.

After the March earthquake and tsunami in northeastern Japan, the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant leaked, and many people scrambled to purchase radiation detection devices.