Advanced Electron Beams (AEB) today announced that it has entered into a sponsored research agreement with the Department of Plastics Engineering at the University of Massachusetts Lowell.  Considered the premier plastics engineering program in the United States, the UMass department will explore the effect of low energy electron beams on polymers and plastics.

Under the direction of UMass Lowell professor Stephen McCarthy, Ph.D., and aided by AEB's technical representative Somchintana Norasetthekul, Ph.D., the sponsored research project will enable UMass Lowell to investigate low energy industrial electron beams at atmospheric pressure, and the effect that the beams have on polymeric and plastic materials. To maximize beneficial project results, the research team will study a wide range of substances, under varying conditions.

"Working with AEB will enable research that will expand the department's understanding of electron beams and their benefits to industrial processing," said McCarthy. "The information we gather and co-publish will examine methods for manufacturers to reduce energy consumption and eliminate the use of dangerous chemicals during their industrial processes."

Involving graduate student research, this one-year project marks the beginning of a long-term innovative relationship between the UMass Lowell and AEB. During the course of this relationship, graduates will explore the chemical, physical and mechanical changes to the surface and thin film properties of a variety of polymeric and plastic materials under radiation, analyzing and documenting the results.

"This exciting partnership demonstrates the University's dedication to helping support the local innovation economy, said Mitch Tyson, CEO, Advanced Electron Beams. "We are committed to fund research and innovation that will expand the uses and resulting benefits of electron beam technology to improve industrial energy efficiency and reduce waste and pollution."

"Through the sponsored research agreement with AEB, UMass Lowell students and researchers will have the chance to explore new avenues in plastics engineering. We expect the findings that result will benefit not only the University and AEB, but the entire field," said UMass Lowell Chancellor Marty Meehan.

To learn more about the various benefits and industrial uses of electron beams, please visit Advanced Electron Beams at http://www.aeb.com/.

About Advanced Electron Beams
Advanced Electron Beams (AEB) has developed one of the world's most efficient and clean forms of industrial energy. AEB captures the power of electron beams in a cost-effective, compact form factor, enabling customers to use this clean energy source in industrial applications ranging from surface sterilization to pollution abatement to printing and polymer treatment and beyond. As a result, these customers are improving productivity, developing new products and processes, and reducing their dependency on energy sources and chemicals that result in pollution. Based in Wilmington, Mass., AEB is backed by top-tier investors Atlas Venture, General Catalyst and RockPort Capital. For more information about AEB, please visit: http://www.aeb.com/

About UMass Lowell
UMass Lowell, with a national reputation in science, engineering and technology, is committed to educating students for lifelong success in a diverse world and conducting research and outreach activities that sustain the economic, environmental and social health. UML offers its 11,000 students more than 120 degree choices, internships, five-year combined bachelor's to master's programs and doctoral studies in the colleges of Arts and Sciences, Engineering and Management, the School of Health and Environment, and the Graduate School of Education. http://www.uml.edu/.