ELECTRON-BEAM PROCESSING AND POLYMERIC MATERIALS - TECHNOLOGICAL ASPECTS AND CHEMICAL MODIFICATIONS

This paper provides an introductory presentation of the physical and t echnological aspects of the interaction of electron beams (EB) with ma tter. An overview of the primary events affecting atoms and molecules shows the chemical transformations induced in polymeric materials upon electron beam processing. A number of applications take advantage of these features to polymerize monomer compositions or to modify polymer by grafting or cross-linking. Because of the complexity of the chemic al reactions, electron beams must be properly harnessed and applied to carefully designed materials when used in the food packaging and pres ervation industry, as well as for the preparation of safe drugs and me dical materials.