Electron Beam Process in the Manufacture of Polyolefin Foams

3 Electron Beam Process in the Manufacture of Polyolefin Foams 

Electron beam irradiation is one of the methods of cross-linking in fhis process. The other methods use peroxide, multifunctional azide, or an organofunctional silane. Polyethylene resins respond to electron beam irradiation well since the rate of cross-linking exceeds significanfly fhe chain scission. Polypropylene (PP) is prone to P-cleavage, which makes if difficult to cross-link by a free radical process. For fhaf reason, PP resins 

The selection of EB equipment depends on the foam thickness and production rate. The foam manufacturers throughout the world are using equipment with electron accelerators with voltages ranging from 0.5 to 4 MV and power ratings from 10 to 50 kW. The penetration depth of a 1 MV unit is approximately 3 mm (0.12 in.). Irradiation on both sides doubles the thickness capability.  

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Electron beam processing in the manufacture of polyolefin foams is another important technical application, whereby (mostly) polyethylene is irradiated in the... 

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