Application of functional polymers synthesized by radiation

It was found that polysaccharide derivatives undergo crosslinking under ionization irradiation at high concentration - so called 'paste-like' conditions. The crosslinking behavior of carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) was largely affected by concentration and degree of substitution (DS). The concentration of 20-30% for DS 1.3 and 50 - 60% for DS 2.2 were the most effective for crosslinking of CMC. Bedsore prevention mat filled up with CMC soft hydrogel crosslinked by irradiation at a paste-like condition was applied as a health care product. It was conformed that CMC dry gel is effective as an absorber of water, even up to 60-70% in order to carry out fermentation effectively of original excrement from livestock, which include 90% of water. Polylactic acid (PLA) irradiated in the presence of polyfunctional monomer (PFM), triallyisocyanurate (TAIC) results in crosslinking. The crosslinked PLA possesses such properties as biodegradability, transparency, high heat-stability and it can be use as heat-shrinkable tubes. Radiation crosslinked poly (vinyl alcohol) hydrogel was applied as wound healing dressing material and it was commercialized since July 2004. (author)