Progress in radiation processing of polymers
Nuclear Instruments & Methods in Physics Research Section B-Beam
Interactions with Materials and Atoms, (2005)Zusammenfassung
Modification in polymeric structure of plastic material can be brought
either by conventional chemical means or by exposure to ionization
radiation from ether radioactive sources or highly accelerated electrons.
The prominent drawbacks of chemical cross-linking typically involve
the generation of noxious fumes and by products of peroxide degradation.
Both the irradiation sources have their merits and limitations. Increased
utilization of electron beams for modification and enhancement of
polymer materials has been in particular witnessed over the past
40 years. The paper highlights several recent cases of EB utilization
to improve key properties of selected plastic products. In paper
is provided a survey of radiation processing methods of industrial
interest, encompassing technologies which are already commercially
well established, through developments in the active R&D stage which
show pronounced promise for future commercial use. Radiation cross-linking
technologies discussed include: application in cable and wire, application
in rubber tyres, radiation vulcanization of rubber latex, development
of radiation crosslinked SiC fiber, polymer recycling, development
of gamma compatible pp, hydrogels etc. Over the years, remarkable
advancement has been achieved in radiation processing of natural
polymers. Role of radiation in improving the processing of temperature
of PCL for use as biodegradable polymer, in accelerated breakdown
of cellulose into viscose and enhancement in yields of chitin/chitosan
from sea-food waste, is described. (c) 2005 Elsevier B.V. All rights
reserved.