EB manufacturing of polymer-fiber composite vehicle structures

The treatment of curable monomeric and polymeric systems by energetic electrons offers a high speed, low-temperature, continuous method for the large scale manufacture of vehicle structures. Based on modern EB sources, the process is proven to be extremely reliable, rugged, and easily integrated into continuous production schemes. Unlike other radiation curing techniques, the EB process uses no radioactive materials and neither the processing area, or product become radioactive. This paper describes on-going work to develop and commercialize an EB process for the manufacture of thick (e.g., 5 cm) polymer-fiber composite structures