The lomo r process: A solution for residual monomers?

Abstract

Regulatory activity over the last several years has addressed the potential problems associated with the migration of residual monomers from a number of commodity food packages. The “Acrylonitrile Decision” (FDA Docket No. 76N-0070, September 23, 1977) illuminated the issue, and has been a cause for continued debate. Regardless of the outcome of these debates, it will always be desirable to reduce monomer levels to as low a level as economically practicable so that they do not become indirct additives. Radiation Dynamics, Inc., has announced its proprietary LOMO R (Low Monomer) process for the reduction of monomers. The LOMO process is a body of technology inclusive of an ionizing radiation treatment which can result in sharp reduction of residual monomer levels in commodity plastic resins. The process may be applicable to factory intermediates, raw resins, or finished articles. Depending upon the individual system and its monomers(s), LOMO treatment can result in reductions to levels which press today's analytical test capability. Industrial radiation processing is normally accomplished with electron beam accelerators. Electrons beam processing continues to gain in understanding and aceptance as one of the very few basic methods by which energy can be imparted to an industrial process system. Likewise, today's more widespread use with modern equipment has established the industrial reliability of such machinery. Typically, whole factories are constructed around one accelerator.