Electron irradiation

Electron irradiation is a process which involves treating a substance with irradiation in the form of high energy electrons. This may take place under elevated temperatures and nitrogen atmosphere. Electron energy typically varies from the keV to MeV range, depending on the depth of penetration required. The dose of irradiation is usually reported in Mrads.

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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 [1].

See also

1. Electron beam lithography

however not all issues have been addressed

Examples of Irradiation

1. Z.Y. Cheng, V. Bharti, T. Mai, T.-B. Xu, Q. M. Zhang, T. Ramotowski, K. A. Wright, R. Ting, "Effect of High Energy Electron Irradiation on the Electromechanical Properties of Poly(vinylidene Fluoride-Trifluoroethylene) 50/50 and 65/35 Copolymers", IEEE Trans. on Ultrasonics, Ferroelectrics and Frequency Control, 47 (6), 1296-1307, Nov 2000.