Ionizing Radiation And Polymers

Radiation processing is widely employed in plastics engineering to enhance the physical properties of polymers, such as chemical resistance, surface properties, mechanical and thermal properties, particle size reduction, melt properties, material compatibility, fire retardation, etc. Drobny introduces readers to the science of ionizing radiation and its effects on polymers, and explores the technologies available and their current and emerging applications. The resulting book is a valuable guide for a wide range of plastics engineers employing ionizing radiation for polymer treatment in a range of sectors including packaging, aerospace, defense, medical devices and energy applications. Radiation resistant polymers are also explored. Unlock the potential of ionizing radiation in applications such as electron-beam curing and laser joining Gain an understanding of the selection and safe use of radiation treatment equipment The only detailed guide to ionizing radiation written for the plastics engineering community

Part of the series "New Concepts in Polymer Science", this volume contains information on the main theoretical and practical problems involved in radiation chemistry of polymers. The processes of polymerization and modification of polymers by grafting, crosslinking and degradation, induced by ionizing radiation, are all described, as well as the radiation resistance of polymers and their protection from radiation. The book also contains applications of radiation chemistry of polymers, such as: principles of selection of radiation-chemical processes for industrial use; choice of radiation sources for specific processes; modification of textile and film materials by grafting; manufacturing of heat-shrinkable, thermostable and mechanically strong polymer products; composites; rubber vulcanizates and self-adhesive products; paints and coatings; man-made fibres; materials for microelectronics; and polymer materials for medical purposes.

The topics covered in this book may be divided into radiation effects on polymers, test methods, radiation processing and other applications of ionizing radiation.

The Radiation Chemistry of Macromolecules is the first from a two-volume series aiming to contribute to the radiation chemistry in general. The chapters in this volume are divided into two major parts, where the first part deals with the basic processes and theory, while the second part tackles experimental techniques and applications to polyethylene. Part I focuses on the discussion on general principles of radiation effects; fundamental concepts on energy transfer; and the theory of free radicals. The subject of polymers is discussed thoroughly in several chapters including its molecular mobilities and electrical conductivity. Part II presents experimental techniques and a description of the radiation chemistry of a single polymer. This part also includes a discussion on the morphology of polyethylene and free radicals in irradiated polyethylene. This book is an important reference to students and scientists in the field of radiation chemistry of macromolecules.