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    Industries

    By enhancing the mechanical strength, changing the molecular weight, improving the temperature or chemical resistance of your polymers, you can increase the number of markets into which you sell your polymers, such as medical, automotive, aerospace, semiconductor, construction, nuclear and many more.

    Applications for polymer modification

    Formed parts

    Injection-molded, blow-molded, or extruded parts made from a range of polymer materials (including PEs, PLA, PVDF, UHMWPE, PVC, EVA, EPDM, SBR, nylons, natural rubber, and other polymers) may be cross-linked with radiation to improve such properties as their temperature rating, mechanical properties, ESCR (Environmental Stress Cracking) and chemical solvent resistance, or other properties. Gaskets, seals, O-rings, PPTC devices, tubings, catheter tubing, pipe, foams, film sheets, and orthopaedic implantable medical devices are just some examples of parts made from the above materials that may be improved with radiation processing.

    Engineering polymers

    New radiation cross-linkable formulations of ultra high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) and polyamide (PA), i.e., nylon, and polybutyleneterephthalate (PBT), are now available for high temperature, high impact, heavy wear polymer modification applications, such as hip and knee implants, under-the-hood automotive components and electrical connectors, and high dielectric strength applications, such as components in high-voltage breakers. The base materials are enabled by cross-linking promoters, and this technique can be used with other engineered polymers.

    Bulk polymers

    Irradiation of bulk polymer resins and powders can be used to modify their molecular weights and consequently their properties. For example, irradiation of cellulose derivatives will lower their molecular weight and can be used to tailor viscosity. Irradiation of selected polyethylenes will increase their molecular weights and enhance melt strength properties during forming.

    Pipe and tubing

    Radiation cross-linking of polyethylene tubing or resins can increase the burst strength, operating temperature and enhance the overall mechanical properties.

    Heat-shrinkable products

    Two entire industries have benefited from polymer modification using E-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 E-Beam processing.

    Benefits of Gamma and E-Beam Services by Sterigenics

    • Precise dose uniformity control
    • High reproducibility
    • Quality control

    Radiation-based modalities for polymer modification

    • Gamma radiation from Cobalt-60 (Co-60) offers a wide range of polymer compatibility with some limitations due to oxidation effects. Product can be shipped to the final user as soon as it exits the Gamma irradiation processing facility.
    • Electron Beam (E-Beam) offers a wide range of polymer compatibility with some limitations due to oxidation effects

    Use radiation-based modalities to improve polymer properties

    • Mechanical strength
    • Burst strength
    • Improved break at elongation
    • Shrink memory recovery
    • Molecular weight
    • Degradation
    • Chemical resistance
    • Increased temperature/flame resistance
    • Increased tensile and impact strength
    • Increased creep resistance
    • Radiation aging
    • Environmental stress crack resistance (ESCR)
    • Nuclear qualification

    Markets for Polymers

    • Aerospace
    • Automotive
    • Construction
    • Medical
    • Nuclear
    • Chemical Rigs – Heavy Equipment
    How can Sterigenics’ expertise help you?
    • Customized solutions to ensure secure, safe, and effective processing
    • A global integrated network of facilities located near your manufacturing or distribution hubs
    • High-quality and consistent processes that exceed safety standards
    • Industry Expert Advisors to assist in solution development, validation, and testing
    • Expedited product processing services
    • One partner for all your sterilization modality requirements and access to Sotera Health’s leading portfolio of best-in-class products and services from sister companies Nelson Labs and Nordion

    Call Us for More Information 
    Brazil +55-11-95040-2270
    China +86-21-3880-9568
    Europe +31-6-221-51-224
    USA +1 (518) 812-7779

    Contact Us To Get Your Project Started