Research
Polymers
Semiconductors
Food Irradiation
Environmental Remediation
Dosimetry
Radiation Detectors


Research & Development


Introduction:

The NEO Beam facility places Northeast Ohio in a very unique position, as the former offers students and faculty from schools and universities the possibility to become engaged in fundamental and/or applied (including industrial R&D) research related to electron beam technology, and its uses and applications. Traditional uses of electron beam technology are varied. Wire and cable, heat-shrinkable materials, rubber and tires, polymers, semiconductors, etc., are but a few of the areas where electron beams are used to enhance and/or modify materials' properties while reducing negative environmental impact, and oftentimes reducing manufacturing or processing costs. In biological systems, electron beam irradiation can be used for disinfestations (reducing the bio-burden) of grain, spices, and other bulk crops, and for the sterilization of medical products and the aseptic packaging of foods.

Kent State University's Research & Development Program

Kent State University is interested in promoting the development of both basic and applied research programs in a variety of areas. Presently, efforts have focused on the study of electron beams for the promotion of polymerization and cross-linking of polymeric materials, the electron beam processing of composite materials, and on the study of the effects of radiation on materials of potential use in the development of solar cells for space applications.

In an effort to encourage and promote the use of electron beam technology by the industrial sector, Kent State University has launched an initiative aimed at identifying industries that either use or are considering the use of electron beam technology in their manufacturing processing. Kent State University believes that the NEO Beam facility will be of great interest to those industries that already use electron beams for production purposes. Not only does the NEO Beam facility represent a backup system that can be used during maintenance or repair events of their own facility; NEO Beam presents an ideal alternative to explore the optimization of production processes, the investigation of changes in the formulation of materials, or even the effect of changes in the standard irradiation conditions used by them. This also means that individuals of organizations interested in the possible use of electron beam technology will not need to make significant investments in equipment and/or technical expertise to have access to it.

In order to ensure that the NEO Beam facility benefits the greater research community, a Research Advisory Committee (RAC) to the Director of the Electron Beam Technology program is being formed. The RAC will include representatives of Kent State University and the other major universities from Northeast Ohio.