The steps to e-beam polymer crosslinking: 1. Product is staged in the processing area. 2. Product passes through a curtain of electrons and is sterilized. 3. Product is released and quickly returned to the customer.
How it Works
Electron beam processing effectively and efficiently creates beneficial changes in material properties and performance with processes such as polymer crosslinking, long-chain branching and chain scissioning. The process involves accelerating a beam of electrons to near light speed. It then passes through a scan chamber, and transitions into a curtain of electrons. Materials moving through the chamber on a high-speed conveyor system are showered with these high-energy electrons. These electrons penetrate the material with a precise, predetermined dose and–depending on the material being processed and the dose that is being applied–several different effects occur.
E-beam crosslinking does not require any additives nor does it generate hazardous chemical by-products. This crosslinking method is energy efficient, and the minimal amount of required exposure time to the e-beam helps ensure high throughputs.
Why E-BEAM Services for Polymer Crosslinking
You need to make your products perform better and cost less. You need customized, flexible, and sometimes top-secret solutions delivered by trusted partners. We understand that need. E-BEAM Services uniquely combines its technical expertise with a deep understanding of each client’s individual needs to provide solutions that meet and exceed their performance and profitability objectives.
With more than 500kW of installed accelerator capacity, the ability to process more than one billion pounds of material annually, a network of facilities, and flexible handling equipment we’re ready to not just meet but to exceed all of your polymer modification needs!
Practical Application of Polymer Crosslinking
As an example, consider polyethylene and its many uses. The commonplace plastic is used in building materials, household products, and used for a massive variety of plastic goods. Its low melting point has become essential to injecting molding, yet retains properties like high ductility and chemical resistance.
Polyethylene has been altered over the years to serve more specific functions. High-density polyethylene is often used for underground storm drain systems, a majority of children’s toys, and even milk jugs. Inversely, low-density polyethylene is used in a multitude of plastic goods for its flexibility.
Even though this material has seen use since the 1930s, we are still discovering ways it can be improved, namely through crosslinking polymers. E-Beam processing can dramatically change the properties of this material for the better.
Why it Matters to You:
| No harmful chemicals | Environmentally friendly |
| Increased tensile and impact strength | Increased creep resistance |
| Increased durability | Improved abrasion resistance |
| Improved environmental stress crack resistance | Improved barrier properties |
| Increased material strength | Increased material stability |
| Resistance to chemical solvents | Shrink memory |