Bridging the future: unveiling the latest innovations in ethylene vinyl acetate blends and composites through electron beam irradiation—a comprehensive review

High energy radiation processing has proven to be remarkably effective in enhancing the properties of polymeric materials. Specially, electron beam (E-beam) radiation stands out as a versatile technique for crosslinking, compatibilizing, and grafting polymer blends and composites. Its reputation for simplicity, high speed, environmental friendliness, and user-friendliness has made it the preferred method in industries such as automotive, electrical insulation, ink curing, surface modification, food packaging, medical sterilization, and healthcare. This review focuses on recent advancements in the application of E-beam irradiation to ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) blends and composites, with a specific focus on incorporating partially nanoscale clay to achieve desired properties and the controlled crosslinking of blends and nanocomposites using high-energy radiation. Numerous studies have investigated the development and modification of EVA with various thermoplastic and elastomeric polymers, highlighting radiation-induced grafting of different monomers onto the polymer backbone. The review primarily examines the utilization of EVA blends and composites for the purpose of adjusting their physical, chemical, thermal, surface, and structural properties. Additionally, it investigates the formation of crosslinking by analyzing gel content and optimizing the dosage of crosslinking co-agents and fillers. Furthermore, the study explores the effect of E-beam irradiation on the tensile properties, specifically the enhancement of tensile strength resulting from crosslinking formation at varying E-beam radiation doses. Additionally, the diverse applications of high-energy radiation-modified polymers in industries such as automotive, wire and cable insulation, heat shrinkable tubes, sterilization, biomedical, nuclear, and space industries are discussed. These applications demonstrate the extensive potential and practicality of utilizing high-energy radiation processing to enhance the properties of polymeric materials in various industrial settings.

Graphical abstract

Effects of electron beam irradiation on ethylene vinyl acetate blends and composites.