UDRI’s Laboratory for Research on Electron Beam Curing of Composites provides a unique environment for investigating fundamental issues in using electron beam (e-beam) irradiation to modify material properties. The centerpiece of the laboratory is a 3 MeV / 500 W linear accelerator housed in a walk-in, concrete-shielded vault where materials and experiments can be set up. The equipment is capable of exposing plastic and composite materials up to sizes of 3 ft by 1.5 ft and 0.5 inches deep. In addition, a series of sensors have been developed for monitoring chemical and physical changes in materials during irradiation, such as temperature, polymerization kinetics, residual stress, etc. UDRI researchers are skilled in applying controlled radiation dosages to materials and assisting customers in setting up and conducting experiments.
The facility is located at the National Composite Center in Kettering, Ohio, ten minutes from the University of Dayton campus. We can operate on a purchase order basis (minimum half-day) or as collaborators on longer term research programs.
Example applications include the following:
- Polymer composite curing (epoxy/carbon, vinyl ester/fiber glass), up to 0.5 inch thick
- Adhesive film curing
- Coating curing: acrylates, epoxies, etc.
- Polymer / plastic crosslinking
- PEX tubing
- Shrink wrap
- Rubber and elastomers
- Polymer / plastic chain scission (depolymerization)
- Medical sterilization and waste disinfection
- Food treatment (cold pasteurization)
- Sterilization of food packaging
- Degradation of toxic wastes
- Bioburden reduction of consumer goods
- Sanitization of sewage and wastewater
- Coloration of glass and gemstones
For more information about using the facility, please see the Laboratory for Research on Electron Beam Curing of Composites, or contact Dr. Don Klosterman
Accelerator Specifications
Equipment Pulsed Linear Accelerator
Manufacturer Electron Solutions, Inc., Sommerville, MA
Electron Beam Energy 3.0 MeV
Electron Beam Power 500 W
E-Beam Gun Type S-Band RF Linac
Max. Composite Curing Thickness (one-sided) 0.25 inches
Max. Composite Curing Thickness (two-sided) 0.45 inches
Max. Composite Size 2 ft x 4 ft flat panel; other geometries possible
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