Electron beam radiation, applications

In the past, electron beam radiation was applied to produce PSA exclusively however, recent improvements in UV curing technology (precise UV dose control, suitable photoinitiators) permit UV to be used to produce pressure-sensitive adhesives. PSA formulations can vary in consistency from low-viscosity liquids up to solids melting at 80°C (176°F). Therefore, applications may vary from screen printing to roll coating to melt extrusion. Coat weights for most PSA materials vary from 1 to 10 g/m. ... 

Cationic cured epoxies may also be crosslinked by electron beam radiation. A major application for this technology is the repair of composite aerospace structures. Direct benefits of EB processing include rapid cure, allowing completion of a permanent repair in the same or less time than a traditionally temporary repair, and ease of material handling. Other... 

Formulation details are then presented in Chapters 11 through 14 for the various possible forms of epoxy adhesive systems room temperature and elevated-temperature curing liquids, pastes, and solids. The more or less unconventional forms of epoxy adhesives are also identified and discussed, since these are now achieving prominence in industry. These include uv and electron beam radiation curable, waterborne systems, and epoxy adhesives capable of curing via the indirect application of heat or energy. 

Radiation can induce certain desired chemical reactions. It can, for example, be used in the making of plastic, or to graft plastic to other materials. Some polymers whose cross-linkage is induced by radiation can be tailored to shrink when heated—a desirable property in some packaging applications. The wood and printing industries make extensive use of electron-beam radiation to cure surface coatings. 

Precursor polymers may be applicable in direct writing applications (5). That is, they will be convertable, either by UV, X-ray or electron beam radiation from an insulating phase to a conducting phase in one step. Reduction in processing steps is of interest in any lithographic process. 

Cleland, M.R. and Parks, L.A. 2003. Medium and high-energy electron beam radiation processing equipment for commercial applications. 208 ... 

Electron-beam radiation n. Magnetically accelerated electrons focused by electric fields have been used for cross-linking polyethylene in special applications such as... 

---