Abstract: A granular polymer composition having increased water absorption and desorption capability, resistance to photogradation and increased life span, comprising a water-insoluble but swellable cross-linked polymer material formed of at least one polymer and/or copolymer prepared from at least one unsaturated ethylene monomer having at least one carboxylic, amide, sulfuric, sulfonic, phosphoric, phosphonic, or hydroxyl functional group and at least one powdered mineral charge well dispersed in and intimately bonded to said polymer as a result of its introduction into the mixture of monomers of the same type or of a different type before their polymerization into said polymer or copolymer.

Abstract: A conveyor is provided for use in an irradiation cell to transport goods to be irradiated past a radiation source panel. The conveyor has a plurality of irradiation conveyor lines parallel to the source panel, which "parallel" lines are independent of each other. Transfer conveyor lines, perpendicular to the alignment of the "parallel" conveyor lines and the source panel, and located outwardly of the ends of the source panels and crossing the extended paths of the irradiation conveyor lines, are provided for transferring goods to be irradiated to the parallel conveyor lines and for permitting direct exposure of two sides of goods to the same panel.