Industrial Applications and Chemisty Section

Project Code/Title I.2.02: Radiation technology for advanced materials development, environment and healthcare

 Rationale : Radiation technology utilizing gamma or X ray sources and electron accelerators is one of the most clean and reliable process for material modification applied in many countries There are over 160 gamma industrial irradiators and 1200 electron industrial accelerators in operation worldwide. These facilities are being widely used for sterilization, food irradiation and polymer/rubber processing. More than 40 pilot and industrial scale Co-60 gamma irradiators, as well as several electron accelerators have been established in developing Member States with the cooperation of the Agency. There are continuing developments in the field of radiation source engineering for more compact size gamma irradiators, high power electron accelerators (medium energy range) and direct e-/X conversion systems. Very important and promising applications concern environment protection; radiation technology being a clean and environmental friendly process helps to curb pollutants’ emission. Industrial scale wastewater treatment facilities are under development; industrial plants for flue gas treatment and pilot irradiators for sewage sludge have been in operation for many years. An interesting field for R&D concerning radiation applications in nanotechnology is open right now. Nanotechnology is one of the fastest growing new areas in science and engineering, for synthesis of nanoparticles and nanocomposites with improved characteristics. Radiation processing produced nanomaterials with high abrasion and high scratch resistance or biomedical usage (controlled release drug delivery systems) will find industrial application soon.

There is increasing interest from Member States in utilizing radiation technology for various applications. Radiation and nuclear centers in Member States are requesting cooperation and guidance of the Agency to use ionizing radiation for advanced material development, including natural polymers, environment and health protection as well as to enhance safe, efficient and reliable operation of irradiation facilities.

 Objective : To enhance Member State capabilities in applying radiation technology in managing agricultural and industrial waste and effluents, and decontamination of biological agents as well as for advanced materials development and natural polymers processing.