MINUTES of
FNCA 2003 Workshop on Application of Electron Accelerator
--- Radiation System for Thin Films ---

1. INTRODUCTION
   
   This Workshop was sponsored by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT), Japan and hosted by Malaysian Institute for Nuclear Technology Research (MINT) and Japan Atomic Energy Research Institute (JAERI). It was held at The Legend Hotel, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The main objective of the workshop was to discuss status of utilization of electron accelerator for thin films in the FNCA participating countries and to for mulate future program.

   This is the third workshop of the FNCA project on Application of Electron Accelerator. The main objective of the project is to develop new technology using low energy electron beam (EB) irradiation system, which has a variety of applications and good safety feature, and to demonstrate its applications. A self-shielded low energy accelerator system needs an initial investment much lower than a Co-60 facility. Its operation is simple and safe. The system can be applied in various fields such as radiation processing, environmental conservation, etc. This project was organized with the participation of eight FNCA countries.

   The Workshop was attended by experts on application of electron accelerator from the participating countries, i.e., China (2), Indonesia (2), Japan (5), Korea (2), Malaysia (11), Philippines (2), Thailand (2) and Vietnam (2).

   On the first day, a National Executive Management Seminar on Application of Electron Accelerators was held and attended by 87 participants from industry, university and research institutes and members of FNCA Workshop. The opening address was delivered by Mr. Shinya Takeuchi, Director of International Division, MEXT, Japan. Mr. Takeuchi expressed his thanks to Malaysia, the host country, for the warm welcome and hospitality rendered to the participants. He mentioned that FNCA has been a valuable mechanism for cooperation in nuclear applications.

   The seminar was officiated by Dato' Dr. Ahmad Sobri Hj. Hashim, the Director General of MINT, on behalf of the Minister of Science, Technology and the Environment, Malaysia. He welcomed all the participants and conveyed the Government support for the activities of the FNCA. Malaysia considers that FNCA is one of the fora that have successfully fostered close cooperation among the countries in this region, in particular in nuclear S & T. In closing, he expressed his best wishes for a successful seminar and renewed his commitment to support FNCA.

   A mini exhibition on the application of electron accelerator was held in conjunction with the seminar. There were 11 exhibitors, 4 from Japan, 1 from Korea and 6 from Malaysia. The exhibition highlighted the potential products for commercialization, which include sago hydrogel, sago foam, palm oil acrylate resin for coatings, heat and flame resistance compounds, low energy accelerators for liquid irradiation and electron beam machines.

   The FNCA EB workshop was officiated by Dr. Nahrul Khair Alang Md. Rashid, Deputy Director General (Research and Technology Development), MINT.

   Dr. S. Machi, the FNCA Coordinator of Japan, presented the summary report of FNCA activities in FY2002. He informed that the 3rd Ministerial Meeting was held in Seoul, Korea on the 31 October 2002 to discuss on "strategy of human resource development" and "sustainable development and nuclear energy in Asia." This meeting recommended that the project on the first subject should be initiated under FNCA, and that a high level meeting be arranged on the second subject. The 4 th Coordinator Meeting was held in Japan, March 5-7, 2003. All 11 projects have been implemented nearly as planned. The progress of the eleven projects was reported in the meeting.

   Dr. T. Kume, JAERI, the project leader of the Application of Electron Accelerator presented an outline of the FNCA EB Project. He reiterated that the project's goals are wider application of electron accelerator and implementation of practical applications for the benefit of the participating countries through information exchange and joint research work. The activities in the year 2002 were reported.

   The workshop consisted of two invited papers, country reports, demonstration of electron beam processing of thin hydrogel films, discussion of future plans and new activities.

2. INVITED PAPERS

   Dr. F. Yoshii, JAERI presented a paper entitled "Radiation Crosslinking of Polymer Materials." Several techniques to introduce crosslinking structure for degradation type polymers, such as polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), biodegradable aliphatic polyester and polysaccharides were discussed. Radiation crosslinking of PTFE, polycarbosilane (PCS) and aliphatic polyester and their application were reported. Some polyfunctional monomers (PFM) like triallyl isocyanurate (TAIC) and trimethallyisocyanurate (TMAIC) when incorporated at low concentration are effective for promotion of crosslinking of biodegradable polymers, such as polybutylenesuccinate (PBS), polycaprolactone (PCL) and poly lactic acid (PLA). Crosslinking is effective to improve deformation of biodegradable polymer at high temperature. Soil burial test showed that the irradiated materials retained their biodegradability. Irradiation at molten state (melting temperature, 340 °C) led to crosslinking structures for PTFE. Crosslinked PTFE forms transparent film with high abrasion property. Radiation crosslinked PCS fiber gives high heat resistance silicon carbide (SiC), which can be applied in turbine and body of rockets.

   Another paper on "Radiation Processing of Sago Starch Film" was presented by Dr. Kamaruddin Hashim of MINT. E lectron beam processing of thin hydrogel film was carried out by using 200 keV electron accelerator at MINT. The study was focused on the radiation parameters such as determination of the optimum beam current, voltage of accelerator, irradiation dosage, thickness of hydrogel and the effects of the density of polyvinyl alcohol on the crosslinking of the hydrogel. In this study, the thickness of sago hydrogel used was in the range of 50 to 200 m m. The study revealed that the thickness of sago hydrogel has significant effect on the crosslinking process of sago hydrogel especially at low beam current. However, no crosslinking was taken place at 500 m m thickness of sago hydrogel when using 200 keV electron accelerator. Beam current 8 mA is the optimum beam current for effective crosslinking process of sago hydrogel.

3. COUNTRY REPORTS

   A total of 8 country reports on the current status of application of electron accelerator, especially on thin film/hydrogel, in the participating countries were presented. The participants had the opportunity to discuss, exchange opinions and share their experiences on issues related to radiation processing and utilization of low energy electron accelerators for thin films/hydrogel. The summary of the reports were as follows:

   China

   There are two industry demonstration projects under construction in Beijing and Hangzhou city, with flue gas volume of 305,400 Nm 3 /h and 630,000 Nm 3 /h for the 100MW and 200MW coal power station respectively. New flue gas treatment method is optimized in Tsinghua University. There are 30-40 EB setup running in industrial companies to treat shrinkable tube, packaging, coating material, cable, wire, sterilization, food etc. More than 5 new facilities are to be installed in industry. R&D to develop 100KW-500KW high power electron accelerators for flue gas treatment and other applications are in progress. Another 5-10 MV high energy electron accelerator is being developed to replace 60 Co source for sterilization, food, chips etc. which is supported by company.

   Indonesia

   There are four EB machines, two for pilot studies (radiation curing of surface coating and crosslinking of wire and cable) and two commercial EB machines for precuring of tire. One EB machine is also under construction at BATAN, Yogyakarta. R&D covered radiation curing of surface coating, radiation crosslinking (PBS, wires and cables, wound dressing, etc.) and radiation sterilization. Crosslinking of PBS was conducted in the presence of poly-functional monomers and inorganic materials. The cross-linking of wire and cable was carried out in cooperation with a cable company. A PEO-carragenan hydrogel with polyethylene glycol was prepared.

   Japan

   In studies on radiation processing of polysaccharide derivatives, it was found that all polysaccharides derivatives such as carboxymethylcellulose (CMC), methylcellulose and carboxymethylchitosan (CM-chitosan) could be irradiation crosslinked in paste-like condition. CMC soft hydrogel has been used as mat for preventing bedsore and as healthcare product. Gel-mat removes body pressure and circulation of blood during operation is improved. Thus, hydrogel mat could prevent bedsores. It was found that CM-chitosan hydrogel has anti-microbial activity and is effective as an absorbent to remove heavy metal. When carboxymethylchitin (CM-chitin) and CM-chitosan hydrogel sheets were immersed in copper (II) aqueous solution, CM-chitin and CM-chitosan adsorbed Cu(II) of 161 mg/g dry gel and 172 mg/g dry gel, respectively. Radiation crosslinked cellulose derivative having phthalate function was achieved with EB-irradiation at paste-like condition kneaded with alkali aqueous solution and acetone. The gel absorbed organic solvent such as chloroform and pyridine.

   Korea

   Ethylene-1-butene copolymer(EBP) was blended with LDPE to improve the mechanical properties as the packaging materials. After they were irradiated by electron beam, their physical properties such as tensile strength, elongation, modulus, peel strength, DSC, DMA were examined. The results showed that the addition of EBP to LDPE exerted significant effects on the mechanical properties such as the tensile strength and peel strength. The addition of EBP led to a maximum increase in peel strength of ~430%. The addition of 10-25w% EBP in LDPE was sufficient to enhance the peel strength significantly. Development and clinical test of hydrogels for wound dressing were undertaken.

   Malaysia

   Project on electron beam processing of hydrogel film has been carried out successfully by using low energy (200 keV) electron accelerator. The thickness of 50 - 150 m m was selected for this study. For the thickness above 500 m m, a minimum of 500 keV electron accelerator is required. The technology of production of sago starch is in the process of commercialization.

   The study on electron beam treatment of industrial wastewater particularly on the effluent from the textile industry, is still at infancy. However, for the electron beam treatment of flue gases, the semi-pilot scale study using 1.0 MeV electron accelerator voltage and 400 cubic meter. Flue gas generated from diesel generator has been completed. This technology will be promoted to the power producer in Malaysia .

   Philippines

   Hydrogels from carrageenan/PVP has been successfully prepared. Clinical trials of this hydrogels as burn dressing have been done at several hospitals. A pilot scale plant for the production of hydrogel is expected to be in operation by early 2004. Clinical trials on KC-PVP hydrogels for bed sores also showed promising results. A carrageenan based radiochromic radiation dose indicator was developed.

   Degradation of carrageenan using the vessel-type low energy electron accelerator installed in JAERI-Takasaki was carried out. Carrageenan with different molecular weights were obtained from irradiation of high and low molecular weight kappa-carrageenan. Field tests on the use of the degraded carrageenan as plant growth promoter were initiated with the collaboration of three commercial vegetable growers.

   Thailand

   Radiation grafting copolymerization of gelatinized cassava starch with acrylamide monomer in the presence of a small amount of maleic acid was studied. The addition of a small percent of maleic acid yielded the optimum grafting efficiency and increased the water absorption of the resulting super absorbent polymer. The water absorption of the grafted polymer was found to be affected by pH and ionic strength of the medium. The morphology of the super absorbent polymers reveals some relationships between the porosity, network structure and extent of water absorption. The resulting super absorbent polymer is expected to be used as health care product. Chitosan-based composite wound dressing and hydrogel from silk protein for biomaterial uses are being developed.

   The gamma radiation degraded chitosan was used as plant growth promoter. This technology for degradation of chitosan has already been transferred to a private company and the product is in the market for commercial trial.

   Three linear electron accelerators have been installed in the Chiang Mai University Hospital for medical use. A femtosecond relativistic electron beam facility is expected to be commissioned at the end of 2003. A prototype 10 MeV electron linac is being installed for application in electron beam processing. A conceptual design of a pulsed 300 keV electron beam source has been completed and construction will begin in October 2003.

   Vietnam

   Two types of hydrogel, for wound dressing and water super absorbent have been studied and produced. Degradation of natural polymer such as alginate from seaweed and chitin/chitosan from shrimp shells, etc. created two new products which are plant promoter and protector (T&D and OLICIDE). These products have already been commercialized. By crosslinking and grafting techniques some materials have been prepared for making accessories for boat and ship, for exploration and recovery of petroleum oil and for immobilizing effective microorganism to treat wastewater from natural rubber processing factories. A study on the selection of an EB machine has shown that a medium energy (0.5-1.5 MeV, 20-50 mA) EB machine is appropriate for degradation of some natural polymers, indigenizing the technology of production of heat-shrinkable materials and producing biodegradable materials used in foodstuff and agriculture.

4. DEMONSTRATION

   Crosslinking of thin film from sago starch polymer blend using the Curetron (200keV, 20mA) and crosslinking of hydrogel for wound dressing and CMC paste-like sheet using the medium energy (3.0 MeV, 30mA) electron accelerator of MINT were successfully demonstrated.

   Workshop participants were very much impressed with Polymer Technology Laboratory and pilot scale facilities of MINT, which include polymer processing facility, flue gas facility and wire/tube handling system for irradiation services.

5. FUTURE WORKPLAN FOR 2003 - 2004

   China

   • Industry demo flue gas project in progress in Beijing (Jingfeng) and commercial project in Hangzhou City (Enteck)
   • Development of 500 kW high power electron accelerator
   • Construction of high energy electron accelerator
   • Hydrogel will be commercialized
   • New EB will be used for cleaning of air for air-conditioner
   • There are more than 5 new EB setup
   • Speed up cooperation between big institutes and companies

   Indonesia

   • Modification of natural polymers, such as grafting of MMA and hydrophilic monomers onto cellulose for separation absorbent membrane for Cd ions and biogradable materials respectively; crosslinking of CMC for hydrogel and preparation of chitosan
   • Compounding of LDPE and designing irradiation system for heat shrinkable materials
   • Crosslinking of PE and PP to improve heat stability
   • Planning research cooperation among research center, electron accelerator producers and related rubber industry for prevulcanized natural rubber latex
   • Fibre-reinforced composite in the form of sheets and panels for building materials and furniture
   • Finishing construction and installation of low energy electron accelerator (350 keV, 10 mA) and modification of cooling system of low energy electron accelerator in the pilot plant

   Japan

   • Further application of cellulose derivatives hydrogel and dry gel
   • Studies to reduce amount of crosslinker in aliphatic polymers
   • Purification of water using CM-chitin and CM-chitosan hydrogel
   • Application of organo gel to absorb organic solvents

   Korea

   • Crosslinking of PVA fiber for tire cord
   • Development of hydrogels for drug delivery system such as insulin and antibiotics
   • Development of hydrogels for leg ulcer and barrier gel for preventing the adhesion between organ
   • Development of radiation - curable composite, having nano-particles
   • Establishment of Radiation Application R&D Center at KAERI
   • Construction of commercial plant for textile dyeing waste water treatment using EB

   Malaysia

   • Crosslinking of sago starch hydrogel for wound dressing
   • Crosslinking of sago starch hydrogel for skin care application
   • Crosslinking of sago starch for biodegradable foam and films
   • Development of water soluble chitin and chitosan
   • Electron beam treatment of textile industrial wastewater
   • Development of radiation curable coating materials from nanoparticles
   • Surface finishing of medium density fibre boards

   Philippines

   • Pilot scale production of carrageenan-PVP hydrogels for wound, burn and bed sores dressing
   • Field test of degraded carrageenan as plant growth promoter
   • Application of degraded carrageenan for fruit coating
   • Preparation and crosslinking of carrageenan derivatives

   Thailand

   • Preparation of CM-cassava starch and radiation crosslinking of the starch derivatives for healthcare and agriculture application
   • Study on degradation of chitin and chitosan using low energy electron beam machine (under MEXT program)
   • Development of a 300 keV, 1mA (average) pulsed electron beam
   • Commissioning of a 10MeV, 1kW linear accelerator
   • Planning for a 3MeV, 5 mA electron accelerator

   Vietnam

   • Setting up and implementing the IAEA TC project on EB facility and its application
   • Sourcing of funds for an EB machine of the medium energy from IAEA, Vietnamese government and other sources
   • Finalizing the technologies for commercialization of the following products: wound dressing, water super absorbent and immobilized substances for waste water treatment
     
6. MIDTERM EVALUATION OF CURRENT PROJECT

   A preliminary evaluation of the current project was carried out by the FNCA workshop participants based on the objectives of the project, which are as follows:

   • To develop new technology of using low energy electron accelerator irradiation system for liquid, thin film and gases
   • To develop and demonstrate its applications

   The final evaluation will be carried out during the workshop in 2004.

   The workshop expressed their satisfaction on the benefits of FNCA projects to their own institution and country. To some countries, this project has resulted in the establishment of a national committee on the application of electron accelerator. This also has created awareness among the top management of the atomic energy commission. Efforts are being made by Vietnam, Thailand and Philippines who do not have electron accelerators to acquire the machine for R&D and commercial use in the near future. Fellows from these countries have conducted research on the applications of low energy electron accelerators at JAERI-Takasaki.

   The workshop also considered that the projects have been successfully developed and demonstrated the technology of irradiating liquid samples and thin hydrogel films using low energy electron accelerator of 250 keV and 200 keV respectively. The demonstration on electron processing of liquid sample was carried out in the 2 nd workshop in December 2002 at JAERI-Takasaki and the demonstration on electron beam processing of thin hydrogel film was carried out in the 3 rd workshop, 18 - 22 August 2003 at MINT, Malaysia.

   Many countries expressed the importance of continuing the projects on electron beam processing of natural polymer and treatment of industrial wastewater.

   The workshop commended the activity on public/open seminar as an important activity to promote the technology to end users. Public/open seminar would continue to be part of the FNCA workshop program.

7. NEW ACTIVITIES

   The workshop agreed that projects based on natural polymer should be continued as one of the activities under the FNCA program on the application of electron accelerator. However, a specific application should be identified and all members are urged to provide the proposal in the next workshop which to be held in 2004.

   The participants were reminded that cost benefit analysis of radiation technology need to be looked at closely in making the proposal. In addition the future project should be market driven whereby direct linkage with end user is recommended.

   Many members expressed interest to have a project related to industrial wastewater treatment. However, members are encouraged to identify carefully the type of wastewater and to carry out the preliminary experiments in relation to irradiation dose requirement and the possible conventional-combination treatment to ensure the treatment process is economically viable.

   The workshop plan was discussed and decided that the next workshop will be held in September 2004 in China. The main topic will be on EB treatment of flue gases. All member countries are requested to carry out the preliminary survey on the potential needs of EB treatment of gases in their countries.

   The next workshop will discuss possible new project on electron beam for specific applications focused on natural polymer modification and wastewater treatment and to formulate a three-year plan from 2005.

   The participants expressed their sincere gratitude to the organizer and host institute for a well-organized workshop and for their hospitality.

NATIONAL EXECUTIVE MANAGEMENT SEMINAR
ON THE APPLICATIONS OF ELECTRON ACCELERATOR
---- FNCA 2003 WORKSHOP ----
18 August 2003
Legend Hotel, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Jointly Organized by:
Malaysian Institute for Nuclear Technology Research (MINT),
Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT), Japan,
and Japan Atomic Energy Research Institute (JAERI)

LIST OF PARTICIPANTS
FNCA 2003 WORKSHOP ON APPLICATION OF ELECTRON
ACCELERATOR
-- RADIATION SYSTEM FOR THIN FILM --
18 - 22, August 2003,
Legend Hotel, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

CHINA
Dr. Zhan Wenlong
	EB Project Leader of China, Professor of Physics, Director, Institute of Modern Physics, Chinese Academy of Science,
Dr. Zhiguang Wan
	Professor Institute of Modern Physics, Chinese Academy of Science, 363 Nanchang Rd., Lanzhou 730000,
INDONESIA
Mr. Sugiarto Danu
	EB Project Leader of Indonesia, Senior Researcher, Industrial Processing Division, Center for Research and Dev. of Isotopes and Radiation Technology, BATAN,
Mr. Darsono
	Researcher, Research and Development Center for Advanced Technology, BATAN
JAPAN
Dr. Tamikazu KUME
	EB Project Leader of Japan, Deputy Director, Department of Ion-Beam-Applied Biology, Takasaki Radiation Chemistry Research Establishment, Japan Atomic Energy Research Institute,
Mr. Masayuki KASHIWAGI
	Director and General Manager, Accelerator Division, Nissin-High Voltage CO., LTD.,
Dr. Fumio YOSHII
	Head, Environment Functional Materials Laboratory, Department of Materials Development, Takasaki Radiation Chemistry Research Establishment, Japan Atomic Energy Research Institute,
Dr. Sueo MACHI
	FNCA Coordinator of Japan, Senior Managing Director, Asia Cooperation Center (ACC), Japan Atomic Industrial Forum (JAIF),
Mr. Sadami SHIBABE
	Secretariat to FNCA EBWS, Takasaki Radiation Chemistry Research Establishment, Japan Atomic Energy Research Institute,
MEXT
Mr. Shinya TAKEUCHI
	Director for International Nuclear Cooperation, Atomic Energy Division, Research and Development Bureau, Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology,
KOREA
Dr. Young-Chang NHO
	Principal Researcher, KAERI,
Dr. Bumsoo HAN
	President EB-TECH Co., Ltd.
THE PHILIPPINES
Ms. Estelita G.CABALFIN
	EB Project Leader of The Philippines Head, Irradiation Services, Nuclear Services and Training Div., Philippine Nuclear Research Institute,
Ms, Lorna S. RELLEVE
	Senior Science Research Specialist, Chemistry Research Section, Atomic Research Division, Philippine Nuclear Research Institute,
THAILAND
Dr. Thiraphat Vilaithong
	EB Project Leader of Thailand, Professor, Director, Fast Neutron Research Facility, Department of Physics, Faculty of Science, Chiang Mai University,
Mr. Manit Sonsuk
	Senior Nuclear Chemist, Office of Atoms for Peace,
VIETNAM
Dr. TRAN Khac An
	FNCA EB Project Leader of Viet Nam, Director, Research and Development Center for Radiation Technology, VAEC,
Mr. LE Hai
	Deputy Head, Radiation Technology Department, Nuclear Research Institute, VAEC,
MALAYSIA
Dr. KHAIRUL ZAMAN Hj. Mohd Dahlan
	Director, Division of Radiation Processing Technology, MINT
Mr. ADNAN Haji Khalid
	Director, Division of Planning and International Affairs, MINT
Dr. KAMARUDDIN Hashim
	Manager, Polymer Blend and Composites Groups, Division of Radiation Processing Technology, MINT,
Dr. ZULKAFLI Ghazali
	Manager, Alurtron, Electron Beam Irradiation Center, MINT,
Dr. KAMARUDIN Bahari
	Division of Radiation Processing Technology, MINT,
Dr. NIK GHAZALI Nik Salleh
	Division of Radiation Processing Technology, MINT,
Ms. NORJANAH Mohid
	Division of Radiation Processing Technology, MINT,
Ms. NORZITA Yacob
	Division of Radiation Processing Technology, MINT,
Ms. KHOMSATON Abu Bakar
	Division of Radiation Processing Technology, MINT,
Ms. SARADA Idris
	Division of Radiation Processing Technology, MINT,
Mr. SOFIAN Alias
	Division of Radiation Processing Technology, MINT,
INVITED SPEAKER
Dr. MOHAMED Mahmod
	Associate Professor Business and Advanced Technology Center, University Technology Malaysia,
SECRETARIAT
	Ms. FAIRUZ SUZANA bt. Mohd Chachuli Mr. Abudul Halim Md. Ali