X-ray processing. A review of the status and prospects

After many years of investigation, X-ray (Bremsstrahlung) processing of products and materials has recently been implemented. Several accelerator manufacturers have developed high-power equipment suitable for this purpose and several electron beam processing facilities can now provide X-ray treatment as well. Guidelines on the proper use of this new technology are being prepared by ASTM and ISO. The penetrating quality and forward concentration of high-energy X-rays are advantageous for some applications. Information on absorbed dose distributions, processing rates and costs are given in the paper. (author)