Polymer Modification

Effective, economical and environmentally friendly, electron beam processing is a valued resource for polymer modification and offers significant advantages over traditional methods of modification.

• Unlike chemical processing, electron beam processing directs the energy to the molecule of the polymer with a high degree of precision and control
• Energy is used efficiently
• There is no need for additional chemicals
• There are usually no residues or by-products
• The process may be carried out at ambient temperature

Beneficial across a breadth of industries and needs

• Bulk polymers
  Polyethylene (PE) resins and powders may be irradiated to create RAPREX®, today's new generation of low-cost, high-performance, pre-processed polyethylene resins. The resins, a Sterigenics' exclusive, may be used in a broad spectrum of applications to produce formed parts with enhanced properties using common conversion technologies.
  
  Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) “micropowders” are commonly processed by scissioning the polymer with radiation to allow them to be more easily ground for use as additives in inks, lubricants and other materials.
  
  The above are but two examples of the many currently in use where irradiation of the bulk polymer is used to change properties of the polymer.
• Engineering polymers
  New radiation cross-linkable formulations of polyamide (PA), i.e. nylon, and polybutylene terephthalate (PBT) are now available for high-temperature polymer modification applications, such as under-hood automotive components and electrical connectors, and are being effectively used to replace heavier metals or much more expensive polymers.
• Formed parts
  Injection-molded, blow-molded or extruded parts made from a range of polymer materials (including PE, PVC, EPDM, SBR and natural rubber) may be radiation processed to increase their temperature rating, mechanical properties, Environmental Stress Crack Resistance (ESCR), solvent resistance or other properties. Gaskets and seals made from the above materials, as well as fiber on spools and film sheets, are examples of parts that may be so enhanced.
• Pipe and tubing
  Radiation cross-linking of polyethylene water or natural gas supply piping allows increased operating temperature and enhances mechanical properties.
• Wire and cable
  The cross-linking of insulation on electrical wires and cables was one of the first practical applications of radiation processing. Benefits are multiple: increased tolerance to high temperature environments and overloaded conductors, fire retardation, increased abrasion resistance and tensile strength, reduction in cold flow, increased resistance to solvents and corrosive chemicals.
• Heat-shrinkable products
  Two entire industries have benefited from polymer modification using electron beam technology: heat shrinkable films for packaging and heat-shrinkable connectors for electrical connections. Both are produced by taking advantage of a "memory effect" imparted through the use of electron beam processing.

More than just radiation processing
Often, more than just radiation dose is needed to deliver the final polymer properties the customer demands. Sterigenics Advanced Applications understands this and works closely with our customers to provide the complete solution - not just radiation.