Enhancing Plastic Properties by Irradiation
Treating plastics with high-energy electron radiation is the value-for-money alternative to expensive high-performance polymers. Cromwell E-beam Solutions LLP. has experience in the industrial application of Electron Beam (EB) radiation. We are much in demand as a partner in many different sectors, wherever there are new challenges to be mastered.
Radiation crosslinking gives inexpensive commodity plastics and technical plastics the thermal, mechanical and chemical properties of high-performance plastics. And it does so without affecting the production process: radiation crosslinking takes place after moulding, as the last step in the process chain on the way to the final customer. The products can be delivered for irradiation as continuous products wound onto drums, loose in mesh boxes or for injection moulded products as bulk goods packed in cartons.
These reactions will result in changes in the characteristics and performance of synthetic polymers that will make them, for example, more resistant to high temperatures, wear and chemicals, or easier to process further. These polymers can then be used safely in demanding conditions that they would otherwise not be able to withstand.
The modification of polymer products is the largest volume application of irradiation. They are used in a huge range of high-performance products and materials. Examples include: insulation for wires and cables used in the automotive, rail or aerospace industry, pipes and tubing used in water and gas supply; foams, heat-shrinkable films or tubes, moulded parts and composite materials used in construction and in many other industries.
How does the electron beam process work?
Many polymers will crosslink when bombarded with fast electrons (a form of “ionizing radiation”). The ionized parts of the polymer chain connect with each other, forming a three-dimensional matrix with improved properties (impact resistance, abrasion resistance, tensile strength, hot modulus, etc.).
Environmentally Friendly Alternative Green Technology
E-beam crosslinking does not require any additives nor does it generate hazardous chemical by-products. This crosslinking method is energy efficient, and the minimal amount of required exposure time to the e-beam helps ensure high throughputs.
Benefits of Radiation Crosslinking
- Savings in raw materials, as expensive high-performance polymers are no longer required
- New properties and thus new applications for certain raw materials
- Exactly reproducible processes
- Production waste is minimized
- Fast process
Applications
- Cables & Wires Applications
- Electrical Applications
- Automotive Applications
- Pipes & Tubes Applications
- Heat Shrink Products
- Polymer Raw Materials
- Recycling Applications