Radiation Technology: Processes and Products - Concepts and Applications, in Radiation Processing Technology Applications

Abstract

The basic concepts presented in this chapter are connected with the application of ionizing radiation on microorganisms and its effects that’s enable its use for processes and products in Industry. The radiation technology process is based on the physics and chemistry of radiation interactions with matter and the quantities that are used for monitoring radiation energy depositions. The modifications in a material exposed to ionizing radiation are caused by deposition of energy such as in thermal or chemical processes. However in any thermal or chemical process the energy transfer is relatively small (from a tiny fraction of an eV to less than 10 eV) comparing with ionizing radiation energy that is imparted in quanta of ≥ 10 eV. Taking into account that the binding energies are generally bellow of 12 eV any chemical bond may be broken and/or potential chemical reactions happen during the exposure to ionizing radiation.