Submitted by Mi.Varokky@iaea.org on
Project Code
F22051
1783
Status
Project Author
INTERNATIONAL ATOMIC ENERGY AGENCY
Approved Date
Start Date
Expected End Date
Completed Date
CRP Closed Date
Description

Composite materials combine properties of the individual components in a synergetic manner to produce a variety of materials in an efficient and cost effective manner. Thus, composite materials today are being used in various applications from sports equipment, automotive and aerospace industries to food packaging and artificial organs. Materials reinforced with nanoscale components are adding new dimensions to composite materials and enable further major improvements in functional and structural properties. The incorporation of only a few percent of nano-sized particles can make dramatic property changes that may result in sensing, actualization or self-healing properties of the resulting composite. Several major issues need to be addressed to utilize the full potential of such nanofillers, and among them: (i) incompatibility or weak interfacial bonding between the matrix and the nanoscale component, and (ii) agglomeration of nanosized component during processing resulting in inhomogeneous distribution. According to the results of ongoing investigation and products preparation in several Member States institutions, radiation technology offers a way of overcoming these challenges by grafting of appropriate monomers/polymers onto the nanofiller surface thereby fixing their morphology and at the same time making them compatible with the host polymer. Additionally, radiation techniques offer the possibility for simultaneous synthesis of the nanoparticle component and crosslinking of the matrix of the composite that is not possible to achieve by other techniques. With the availability of lower cost self-shielded low energy electron beam accelerators, this process is increasingly becoming available for developing member states. In order to use the advantages of radiation techniques and address the needs of Member States for producing advanced composite materials, this CRP has been formulated based on the recommendations of a Consultant’s Meeting. The CRP aims to support MS to develop methodologies and protocols for new abrasion resistant coating formulations, radiation curable nano-composites from natural polymers, new biodegradable packaging materials suitable for radiation sterilization, and new methods to modify surface characteristic of nano-sized materials to enhance polymer fillers interaction. This CRP will provide a forum for knowledge and technology transfer among the participating institutions, as well as to promote early involvement of developing countries in knowledge-intensive R&D programs to enhance their level of competence and confidence and promote the local spin-off initiatives.

Objectives

To enhance member States capability in the use of radiation technology for production of nano-composites with enhanced quality, safety, stability and functionality for advanced applications.

Specific objectives

To assess the methods to modify surface characteristic of nano-sized materials to enhance polymer fillers interaction

To develop radiation curable nano-composites from natural polymers

To harmonize preparations and specifications of new biodegradable packaging materials suitable for radiation sterilization

To standardize formulations of new scratch and abrasion resistant coatings with enhanced surface finishing

Impact

The participants have developed numerous protocols for the preparation of nanocomposites that would not have been there without the joint effort under this CRP, and which are being transferred into new products. New preparation methods have been discovered that resulted in improved characteristics of the final products enabling new applications. Besides the collaboration towards the objectives of the CRP, strong collaboration and a network had been established that is in place and under a strategic partnership projects within the framework of EU Erasmus program is organizing and delivering training and teaching programme in enhancing development and transfer of knowledge of application of ionizing radiation in materials processing. The CRP also had an impact on the new CRP entitled: Application of Radiation Technology for the Development of Advanced Packaging Materials for Food Products", which benefits from the packaging materials developed under this completed CRP. Additionally, the journal articles published under this CRP enriched the knowledge of the scientific community worldwide.

Relevance

The CRP in line with the objective of the project 2.5.2.2, to enhance Member State capabilities in applying radiation technology for advanced materials development and processing natural polymers into value added products, and it is relevant to Member States programmes and projects.

CRP PO1 Section
RPRT - Radioisotope Products and Radiation Technology Section
CRP PO1 Division
NAPC - Division of Physical and Chemical Sciences
CRP Open for proposals
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