Chemonuclear and Radiation Chemical Process Applications

Existing and potential applications of high-energy radiation from fission fragment, isotopic, and machine radiation sources for commercial chemical processing purposes are reviewed. Fission fragment chemonuclear processes have potential for endothermic chemical systems. The synthesis of ozone from oxygen or air by a chemonuclear process is an especially attractive possibility for use in water purification schemes. Demonstration of a contamination-free product is necessary. Several chemical processes using ⁶⁰Co gamma- and electron-accelerator radiation have reached commercial status. These include the hydrobromination of ethylene, the production of wood-plastic combinations, and the modification of polymers for obtaining a variety of specific plastic properties. New possibilities for applications development include the radiation induced copolymerization of monomers, grafting of monomers, product sterilization, production of concrete-polymer composites, and catalytic effects on electrode reactions.