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

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.

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.

Here is the most extensive resource on polymer radiation effects to be available in more than a decade. This new volume reviews the fundamental chemistry and physics of polymer-radiation interaction and examines recent progress in most major areas of the field. Its 38 chapters, written by leading experts from around the world, cover: fundamentals of polymer radiation chemistry; technological applications of radiation to polymers (including radiation processing; radiation curing; sterilization; cross-linking, polymerization, grafting, X-ray resists, and others); and degradation of stabilization of irradiated polymers (including nuclear plants, scintillation detectors for particle physics, and others).

Presented in two parts, this first comprehensive overview addresses all aspects of energetic ion irradiation of polymers. Earlier publications and review articles concentrated on selected topics only. And the need for such a work has grown with the dramatic increase of research and applications, such as in photoresists, waveguides, and medical dosimetry, during the last decade. The first part, Fundamentals of Ion Irradiation of Polymers covers the physical, chemical and instrumental fundamentals; treats the specific irradiation mechanisms of low- and high-energy ions (including similarities and differences); and details the potential for future technological application. All the new findings are carefully analyzed and presented in a systematic way, while open questions are identified.

This publication provides the background and compiles the most recent research findings as well as detailing development activities relating to the development of radiation processed products made of natural polymers. Successes clearly indicate that the radiation processing of natural polymers has emerged as an exciting area where the unique characteristics of these polymeric materials can be exploited for a variety of practical applications in agriculture, healthcare, industry and the environment.

This text examines the effect of radiation on polymers and the versatility of its industrial applications. By helping readers understand and solve problems associated with radiation processing of polymers, it serves as an important reference and fills a gap in the literature. Radiation processing can significantly improve important properties of polymers, however, there are still misconceptions about processing polymers by using ionizing radiation. This book explains the radiation processing of polymeric materials used in many industrial products including cars, airplanes, computers, and TVs. It even addresses emerging "green" issues like biomaterials and hydrogels.

The series Topics in Current Chemistry Collections presents critical reviews from the journal Topics in Current Chemistry organized in topical volumes. The scope of coverage is all areas of chemical science including the interfaces with related disciplines such as biology, medicine and materials science. The goal of each thematic volume is to give the non-specialist reader, whether in academia or industry, a comprehensive insight into an area where new research is emerging which is of interest to a larger scientific audience. Each review within the volume critically surveys one aspect of that topic and places it within the context of the volume as a whole. The most significant developments of the last 5 to 10 years are presented using selected examples to illustrate the principles discussed. The coverage is not intended to be an exhaustive summary of the field or include large quantities of data, but should rather be conceptual, concentrating on the methodological thinking that will allow the non-specialist reader to understand the information presented. Contributions also offer an outlook on potential future developments in the field.

Radiation Effects in Materials, Volume 2: Radiation Chemistry of Organic Compounds provides information pertinent to the fundamental aspects of radiation chemistry of organic compounds. This book reviews the published work on the radiation chemistry of organic compounds. Organized into nine chapters, this volume begins with an overview of the study of the chemical reactions produced by high-energy radiation. This text then explores the two groups of radiation sources, namely, natural and artificial, that have been equally valuable for radiation chemistry. Other chapters consider the radiation chemistry of water and aqueous systems that is important to organic radiation chemistry. This book discusses as well how radiation alters simple organic compounds, and how the response varies with the irradiation conditions and the presence of other substances. The final chapter deals with the economic aspects of the use of radiation sources in industry. This book is a valuable resource for radiation chemists.