Influence of electron accelerator irradiation on epoxy nanocomposites materials for spacecraft structure

Abstract

Different types of surfactants namely, nonionic, anionic and cationic represented by Polyoxyethylene sorbitan monooleate (Tween 80), sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS), and cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) respectively were used to select a proper type of surfactant enhancing dispersion quality of multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) in the epoxy resin. In this study, the effect of electron beams whch are one of the most severe space environment threats. The candidate material proposed in this study will be used as a structural space material. The candidate material is characterized by furrier transformation infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) so as to identify the mechanical properties, surface tension, and electrical dispersion measurement. The mechanical results revealed that the strength increases by 10% while adding the CTAB surfactant, however, it decreases by 27% and 32% by adding tween-80 and SDS respectively. The anionic surfactant SDS, despite keeping the stiffness, the reference sample is of lower strength and elongation. The CTAB improves the mechanical properties by improving the strength and stiffness while elongation is significantly decreased by adding any of the surfactants. The surface tension of Tween 80 and anionic surfactant SDS, is σ = 24.4 mN/m while the surface tension in case of the CTAB is σ= 25.4 mN/m. The surface tension and electrical dispersion measurement results reveal that the nonionic surfactant Tween 80 led to a uniform dispersion of MWCNTs in the epoxy than other surfactants. The effect of 100-kGy irradiation via electron beam on structure and its electrical properties of the epoxy composites was studied. Improving the dispersion quality of the MWCNTs in epoxy nanocomposite materials leads to utilizing these materials in spacecraft structure.

Influence of gamma irradiation on acrylate‐based shape memory polymers in the presence of various crosslinkers

“…28 Many space environment influences, including as atomic oxygen, high vacuum, cold and thermal cycle, ultraviolet radiation, space debris, and radiation are strongly felt during the life of a spacecraft, which will cause the rapid deterioration of polymer materials. 29,30 The radiation approach offers numerous advantages over other techniques used to create hydrogels, copolymers, and composites since it is an easy, effective, clean, and environmentally friendly process. 31 A deeper understanding of the radiation chemistry of polymer systems is required for the effective implementation and further development of this radiation technique.…”

“…An important area of scientific inquiry has always been the interaction of radiation with materials 28 . Many space environment influences, including as atomic oxygen, high vacuum, cold and thermal cycle, ultraviolet radiation, space debris, and radiation are strongly felt during the life of a spacecraft, which will cause the rapid deterioration of polymer materials 29,30 . The radiation approach offers numerous advantages over other techniques used to create hydrogels, copolymers, and composites since it is an easy, effective, clean, and environmentally friendly process 31 .…”