Energy curing, high

For curing, high-energy light has been commonly used, such as metal halide lamps. These devices may have problems with their short shelf life and large size. 

A unique process for chemical stabili2ation of a ceUular elastomer upon extmsion has been shown for ethylene—propylene mbber the expanded mbber obtained by extmsion is exposed to high energy radiation to cross-link or vulcani2e the mbber and give dimensional stabUity (9). EPDM is also made continuously through extmsion and a combination of hot air and microwaves or radio frequency waves which both activate the blow and accelerate the cure. 

Another use is of minor proportions of polyfunctional aHyl esters, eg, diaHyl maleate, ttiaHyl cyanurate, and ttiaHyl isocyanurate, for cross-linking or curing preformed vinyl-type polymers such as polyethylene and vinyl chlotide copolymers. These reactions ate examples of graft copolymerization in which specific added peroxides or high energy radiation achieve optimum cross-linking (see Copolymers). 

Curing Polymers with y-Rays, X-Rays, and High Energy Electrons... 

The majority of the commercial radiation-curable coating systems (high energy electron and light-cured coating systems) are clear or contain siflca... 

Janke, C.J., Lopata, V.J., Havens, S.J., Dorsey, G.F. and Moulton, R.J., High energy electron beam curing of epoxy resin systems incorporating cationic photoinitiators, US Patent 5,877,229, 1999. 

Curing of silicone mbbers can be done with high energy radiation such as gamma rays. 

X-rays, or gamma rays generated by nuclear decay. Ionizing radiation also includes several types of subatomic particles, such as beta radiation (high-energy electrons) and alpha radiation (helium ions) and others. Medical X-rays are an example of a common beneficial exposure to ionizing radiation. Nuclear radiation is used to generate electricity and cure disease, but is also an important element in military weapons. Uses of nuclear radiation pose serious issues of human exposure and environmental contamination. 

Wise and Rocchio [32] have discussed the processing techniques for LOVA formulations which invariably depend on the type of binder. The polybutadiene-based formulations referred to as cured systems, are processed through a solventless process whereas formulations based on cellulose derivatives and thermoplastic elastomers as binders are processed by a solvent process similar to standard NC propellants. In conclusion, LOVA formulations offer unique propulsion systems for tanks with the potential to offer high energy and low vulnerability. 

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