Creating safer, cleaner materials through nuclear processing (Russian Edition)

From water filters and lampshades to the soles of shoes and medical bandages, an increasing number of consumer products are now being manufactured with new materials produced using nuclear techniques. By using radiation, such as gamma rays, X-rays, accelerated electrons or ion beams, polymers such as plastics or gel-based materials can be modified or strengthened to create new and more resistant bond formations. Strengthening and improving polymers with radiation is a technique that has been used for decades to produce commercial products such as heat-resistant parts in car engines and heatshrinkable tubes, foam sheets and tyres. New developments in the radiation processing industry are leading to more novel and innovative uses of irradiated polymers, such as hydrogel sheets for use in medicine to manage burns and wounds, as well as in radiotherapy to treat cancer. The IAEA provides a platform for cooperation in this area, by supporting experienced experts to train professionals from other countries in the development of these specialized plastic and gel-based materials.