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Electron beam processing or electron irradiation is a process which involves using electrons, usually of high energy, to treat an object for a variety of purposes. This may take place under elevated temperatures and nitrogen atmosphere. Possible uses for electron irradiation include sterilization and to cross-link polymers. Electron energies typically varies from the keV to MeV range, depending on the depth of penetration required. The irradiation dose is usually measured in Gray but also in Mrads. Where is equivalent to . The basic components of a typical electron beam processing device are illustrated in the figure. An electron gun (consisting of a cathode, grid, and anode) is used to generate and accelerate the primary beam. A magnetic optical (focusing and deflection) system is used for controlling the way in which the electron beam impinges on the material being processed (the "workpiece"). In operation, the gun cathode is the source of thermally-emitted electrons that are both accelerated and shaped into a collimated beam by the electrostatic field geometry established by the gun electrode (grid and anode) configuration used. The electron beam then emerges from the gun assembly through an exit hole in the ground-plane anode with an energy equal to the value of the negative high voltage (gun operating voltage) being applied to the cathode. This use of a direct high voltage to produce a high energy electron beam allows the conversion of input ac power to beam power at greater than 95% efficiency, making electron beam material processing a highly energy-efficient technique. After exiting the gun, the beam passes through an electromagnetic lens and deflection coil system. The lens is used for producing either a focused or defocused beam spot on the workpiece, while the deflection coil is used to either position the beam spot on a stationary location or provide some form of oscillatory motion. In polymers, an electron beam may be used on the material to induce effects such as chain scission (which makes the polymer chain shorter) and cross linking. The result is a change in the properties of the polymer which is intended to extend the range of applications for the material. The effects of irradiation may also include changes in crystallinity as well as microstructure. Usually, the irradiation process degrades the polymer. The irradiated polymers may sometimes be characterized using DSC, XRD, FTIR, or SEM. In poly(vinylidene fluoride-trifluoroethylene) copolymers, high-energy electron irradiation lowers the energy barrier for the ferroelectric-paraelectric phase transition and reduces polarization hysteresis losses in the material. Electron beam processing involves irradiation (treatment) of products using a high-energy electron beam accelerator. Electron beam accelerators utilize an on-off technology, with a common design being similar to that of a cathode ray television. Electron beam processing is used in industry primarily for three product modifications: * Crosslinking of polymer-based products to improve mechanical, thermal, chemical and other properties, * Material degradation often used in the recycling of materials, and * Sterilization of medical and pharmaceutical goods.〔Bly, J.H.; Electron Beam Processing. Yardley, PA: International Information Associates, 1988.〕 Nanotechnology is one of the fastest growing new areas in science and engineering. Radiation is early applied tool in this area; arrangement of atoms and ions has been performed using ion or electron beams for many years. New applications concern nanocluster and nanocomposites synthesis. == Crosslinking == The cross-linking of polymers through electron beam processing changes a thermoplastic material into a thermoset. When polymers are crosslinked, the molecular movement is severely impeded, making the polymer stable against heat. This locking together of molecules is the origin of all of the benefits of crosslinking, including the improvement of the following properties:〔(【引用サイトリンク】publisher= E-BEAM )〕 *Thermal: resistance to temperature, aging, low temperature impact, etc. *Mechanical: tensile strength, modulus, abrasion resistance, pressure rating, creep resistance, etc. *Chemical: stress crack resistance, etc. *Other: heat shrink memory properties, positive temperature coefficient, etc. Cross-Linking is the interconnection of adjacent long molecules with networks of bonds induced by chemical treatment or Electron Beam treatment. Electron Beam processing of thermoplastic material results in an array of enhancements, such as an increase in tensile strength, and resistance to abrasions, stress cracking and solvents. Joint replacements such as knees and hips are being manufactured from Cross-Linked Ultra High Molecular Weight Polyethylene because of the excellent wear characteristics due to extensive research by the Harris Orthopaedics Lab.〔http://www.massgeneral.org/research/researchlab.aspx?id=1018〕 Polymers which are commonly crosslinked using the electron beam irradiation process include polyvinyl chloride (PVC), thermoplastic polyurethanes and elastomers (TPUs), polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), polyamides / nylon (PA66, PA6, PA11, PA12), polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), polymethylpentene (PMP), polyethylenes (LLDPE, LDPE, MDPE, HDPE, UHMWPE), and ethylene copolymers such as ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) and ethylene tetrafluoroethylene (ETFE). Some of the polymers utilize additives to make the polymer more readily irradiation crosslinkable.〔(【引用サイトリンク】publisher= BGS )〕 An example of an electron-beam crosslinked part is connector made from polyamide, designed to withstand the higher temperatures needed for soldering with the lead-free solder required by the RoHS initiative.〔()〕 Cross-linked polyethylene piping called PEX is commonly used as an alternative to copper piping for water lines in newer home construction. PEX piping will outlast copper and has performance characteristics that are superior to copper in many ways. 〔(【引用サイトリンク】publisher= Iotron Industries: Electron Beam Sterilization Processing Services )〕 Foam is also produced using electron beam processing to produce high quality, fine-celled, aesthetically pleasing product.〔|http://www.toraytpa.com/polyolefin-foams/technology}〕〔http://www.ebeamservices.com/release0407_c.htm〕 抄文引用元・出典: フリー百科事典『 ウィキペディア（Wikipedia）』 ■ウィキペディアで「Electron beam processing」の詳細全文を読む スポンサード リンク
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