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
