IAEA/RCA activities on radiation processing

Radiation processing either by gamma of e-beam has been applied in many fields and has been widely accepted for use in many areas of the global economy. Among the well established technologies are sterilization, polymer crosslinking/grafting, tire component curing, conservation of art objects and irradiation of selected food items. The International Atomic Energy (IAEA) through its technical co-operation programs, coordinated research projects, consultants and technical meetings and conferences is promoting the peaceful use of nuclear science and radiation technologies. Due to the IAEA's support, some new radiation technologies (e.g. hydrogel dressings, sulfur-free radiation vulcanized latex, growth promoting oligomers, superabsorbents) were developed and transferred to Member States over the past decade. Other promising applications the IAEA has supported are flue gas, waste water and sludge treatment. The IAEA has been organizing many meetings and research coordinated research projects (CRP) in which trends and new developments have been discussed and technical work conducted along this field. Special attention was given to the radiation processing of natural polymers under the framework of the Regional Cooperative Agreement (RCA) for Research, Development and Training Related Nuclear Science and Technology for East Asia and the Pacific. This region is especially rich in respect to wide variety of indigenous natural polymers such as rubber, chitin/chitosan, carrageenans, alginates and silk. It has organized the following research and technical cooperation projects since 1998. (J.P.N.)