RESEARCH AREAS

Radiation technology covers the applications of various sources of ionizing radiation such as gamma radiation, electron beam and ion beam in the form of electromagnetic or particles radiation. Radiation technology is used for processing of polymeric materials by means of cross-linking, grafting, synthesis, polymerisation, degradation, depolymerisation and for surface curing such as coatings, inks and adhesives. 

Radiation technology also covers the application of ionizing radiation for sterilization, pasteurisation, de-infestation, decontamination of microorganisms. It also covers the utilization of radiation in removing colour, odour, micro-organisms in liquid, solid and gases and induced chemical and biological changes in the system for cleaning of environmental pollution.

New area of research and development in this area such as the following:

Radiation Modification of Polymer

To conduct research on the modification of natural polymer such as natural rubber, palm oil, starch, cellulose, carrageenan, chitosan for hydrogel, micro-nanogel as carrier, tissue scaffold, smart materials, biosensors, etc. in healthcare applications and in other industrial sector such as active oligomers. Among research activities are:

•  Radiation processing of sago hydrogel

•  Radiation processing of sago biofilm and biofoam

•  Radiation processing of chitosan and chitosan derivatives

•  Radiation formation of micro and nanoparticles of natural polymers

Polymer Blend and Composites

To conduct research for the development of new materials through blending and formation of composites using natural rubber, liquid natural rubber, lignocellulosic materials and synthetic polymers, additives, fillers and compatibilizers at micro/nano sizes for automotive, construction and industrial applications.

Radiation treatment of consumer waste polymers (plastic and rubbers), for the purpose of recycling is an immerging area due to environmental and economic importance. In view of this radiation is employed in enhancing the mechanical properties and performance of recovered materials or material blends. Among research activities are:

•  Recycling NR waste

•  Radiation X-linking of nanoclay EVA-NR, PP

Radiation Curing and Synthesis

To conduct research for the development of new resins based on natural polymer such as palm oil and to develop the applications in radiation curing for coatings, printing inks and adhesive. This includes the development of coating materials for various industrial applications using micro/nanoparticles for hard coating, high scratch and high abrasion resistant. Among research activities are:

•  Radiation curing of nanosize silica composite coating

•  Radiation curing of coatings of woods, cemboards

•  Synthesis of palm oil acrylate and liquid natural rubber acrylate and their applications

Radiation Conservation Technology

To conduct research and development on the applications of radiation technology for treatment of industrial wastewater, volatile organic compounds and solid polymer waste for the purpose of recover, recycle, reuse, reduce and safe handling of the waste and where possible to add value to the waste. Among research activities are

•  Treatment of textile industry waste water using electron beam radiation in combination with biological treatment

•  Treatment of mixed industrial waste water using electron beam irradiation

•  Radiation grafting of polymer material for environmental application

•  Radiation grafting of natural fiber