Radiation technologies: past, present and future

The radiation technologies applying gamma sources and electron accelerators for material processing are well-established processes. New fields concerning radiation sources are development of compact size gamma irradiators, high-power accelerators with direct e(-)/X conversion and low-energy EB processing systems. The technologies to be developed besides environmental applications, could be nanomaterials, structure engineered materials (sorbents, the composites, ordered polymers, etc.) and natural polymers processing. The International Atomic Energy Agency (the Agency) has been involved in the support of projects related to the application of radiation technology for many years. Due to its assistance, advanced radiation processing centers were established in many countries. New materials and processes were developed as well: wound hydrogel dressing, radiation vulcanized latex, industrial plant for electron beam flue gas treatment, pilot plant for electron beam wastewater treatment and others. (C) 2004 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.