Comparison of electron beam irradiation with gamma processing for medical packaging materials

Ionizing radiation is known to degrade materials and in the meantime is capable of novel property creation. In the medical device industry, sterilization by ionizing radiation has become increasingly popular. In particular, the beta or electron beam irradiation has been adopted along with the traditional gamma radiation from Cobalt or Cesium sources. Of course. the ionizing radiation which disrupts bio-macromolecular structures in bio-burdens can damage polymer chains. Although the mode of radiation interaction is similar, gamma and high-energy electrons differ in several subtle ways: dose rate, sample temperature rise, oxygen availability and treatment duration. We have conducted a comparative study on material interactions due to e-beam irradiation and treatment with gamma. A similarity between the two processes as well as significant differences will be presented. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.