An illustration of an electronbeam emitter that can shift the molecular structure of plastics packaging for sterilization or curing. The intriguing prospect of electron beams modifying commodity plastics and providing lighterweight packaging could be boosted by a new partnership between advanced electron beams aeb and a noted french technology institute. Wilmington, mabased aeb has set up an ebeam application development transmitter unit at the university of reims champagne ardenne to study the use of laserbased processes to cure packaging inks, coatings, and adhesives. But another aspect to study will be to evaluate how ebeams change the chemical properties of plastics in packaging. The school&rsquos institute of molecular chemistry will work with aeb to test the use of ebeams on beverage pouches. The company is considering how plastic molecules in resin are crosslinked when energy is applied during curing. The ebeam process also can enhance the performance of plastic molecules, allowing for the use of lighterweight film. The company is evaluating the use of ebeams in beverage pouch sterilization as a coldfillreplacement for aseptic processes and is alsolooking at the formfillseal process for daily,juice, and fruit drinks.aeb could ride the coattails of the trend toward water and energy reduction in manufacturing, major issues with hotfill sterilization, and the need to eliminate chemicals during sterilization. What is just as compelling is whether the ebeams can help modify plastic molecular properties and assist in the emerging evolution of film downgauging.
