Impact of Proton Irradiation on Medium Density Polyethylene/Carbon Nanocomposites for Space Shielding Applications

Zaccardi, Federica; Toto, Elisa; Rastogi, Shreya; Saponara, Valeria La; Santonicola, M. Gabriella; Laurenzi, Susanna

doi:10.3390/nano13071288

Cited by 8 publications

(6 citation statements)

References 60 publications

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“…PE lacks the necessary strength and thermal stability for structural use. In this regard, multifunctional fillers, such as carbon nanoparticles, have been employed to enhance the mechanical and functional properties of PE and, at the same time, improve protection from space radiation [21,22]. Zhang et al proposed the use of a composite material made of ultrahigh-molecularweight polyethylene fiber (UPEF), boron nitride (BN), and polyurethane (PU) for effective neutron radiation shielding [23].…”

Section: Experimental Studies 21 Polyethylene-based Materialsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Zaccardi et al fabricated multifunctional nanocomposites using medium-density polyethylene (MDPE) loaded with multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs), graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs), and hybrid MWCNT/GNP fillers [22]. Electrical properties, chemical structure, thermal behavior, we ability, and morphology were investigated before and Neutron exposure experiments were conducted by Herrman et al on high-density polyethylene (HDPE)-based composites [25].…”

Section: Experimental Studies 21 Polyethylene-based Materialsmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Recent Advances and Challenges in Polymer-Based Materials for Space Radiation Shielding

Toto,

Lambertini,

Laurenzi

et al. 2024

Polymers

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Space exploration requires the use of suitable materials to protect astronauts and structures from the hazardous effects of radiation, in particular, ionizing radiation, which is ubiquitous in the hostile space environment. In this scenario, polymer-based materials and composites play a crucial role in achieving effective radiation shielding while providing low-weight and tailored mechanical properties to spacecraft components. This work provides an overview of the latest developments and challenges in polymer-based materials designed for radiation-shielding applications in space. Recent advances in terms of both experimental and numerical studies are discussed. Different approaches to enhancing the radiation-shielding performance are reported, such as integrating various types of nanofillers within polymer matrices and optimizing the materials design. Furthermore, this review explores the challenges in developing multifunctional materials that are able to provide radiation protection. By summarizing the state-of-the-art research and identifying emerging trends, this review aims to contribute to the ongoing efforts to identify polymer materials and composites that are most useful to protect human health and spacecraft performance in the harsh radiation conditions that are typically found during missions in space.

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Section: Experimental Studies 21 Polyethylene-based Materialsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Experimental Studies 21 Polyethylene-based Materialsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Recent Advances and Challenges in Polymer-Based Materials for Space Radiation Shielding

Toto,

Lambertini,

Laurenzi

et al. 2024

Polymers

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“…At present, silicon rubbers, polyurethane, and polyethylene are widely used to fabricate functional carbon-filled composites suitable for space applications, such as radiation monitoring and radiation shielding [ 65 , 70 , 71 , 72 , 73 ]. The specific applications are described in the following subsections.…”

Section: Thermal Stability Of Carbon-filled Polymer Composites For Sp...mentioning

confidence: 99%

“…For potential applications in the space environment, carbon-based nanocomposites made of medium-density polyethylene (MDPE) loaded with multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT), GNP, and hybrid MWCNT/GNP fillers have been analyzed before and after proton irradiation [ 70 ]. Exfoliated GNP (grade C750) with a thickness of ~2 nm, average diameter of <2 μm, and specific surface area of ~750 m 2 /g were supplied by XG Sciences (Lansing, MI, USA).…”

Section: Thermal Stability Of Carbon-filled Polymer Composites For Sp...mentioning

confidence: 99%

A Comprehensive Review on the Thermal Stability Assessment of Polymers and Composites for Aeronautics and Space Applications

Barra,

Guadagno,

Raimondo

et al. 2023

Polymers

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This review article provides an exhaustive survey on experimental investigations regarding the thermal stability assessment of polymers and polymer-based composites intended for applications in the aeronautical and space fields. This review aims to: (1) come up with a systematic and critical overview of the state-of-the-art knowledge and research on the thermal stability of various polymers and composites, such as polyimides, epoxy composites, and carbon-filled composites; (2) identify the key factors, mechanisms, methods, and challenges that affect the thermal stability of polymers and composites, such as the temperature, radiation, oxygen, and degradation; (3) highlight the current and potential applications, benefits, limitations, and opportunities of polymers and composites with high thermal stability, such as thermal control, structural reinforcement, protection, and energy conversion; (4) give a glimpse of future research directions by providing indications for improving the thermal stability of polymers and composites, such as novel materials, hybrid composites, smart materials, and advanced processing methods. In this context, thermal analysis plays a crucial role in the development of polyimide-based materials for the radiation shielding of space solar cells or spacecraft components. The main strategies that have been explored to improve the processability, optical transparency, and radiation resistance of polyimide-based materials without compromising their thermal stability are highlighted. The combination of different types of polyimides, such as linear and hyperbranched, as well as the incorporation of bulky pendant groups, are reported as routes for improving the mechanical behavior and optical transparency while retaining the thermal stability and radiation shielding properties. Furthermore, the thermal stability of polymer/carbon nanocomposites is discussed with particular reference to the role of the filler in radiation monitoring systems and electromagnetic interference shielding in the space environment. Finally, the thermal stability of epoxy-based composites and how it is influenced by the type and content of epoxy resin, curing agent, degree of cross-linking, and the addition of fillers or modifiers are critically reviewed. Some studies have reported that incorporating mesoporous silica micro-filler or microencapsulated phase change materials (MPCM) into epoxy resin can enhance its thermal stability and mechanical properties. The mesoporous silica composite exhibited the highest glass transition temperature and activation energy for thermal degradation among all the epoxy-silica nano/micro-composites. Indeed, an average activation energy value of 148.86 kJ/mol was recorded for the thermal degradation of unfilled epoxy resin. The maximum activation energy range was instead recorded for composites loaded with mesoporous microsilica. The EMC-5p50 sample showed the highest mean value of 217.6 kJ/mol. This remarkable enhancement was ascribed to the polymer invading the silica pores and forging formidable interfacial bonds.

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“…Polymer-matrix composites (PMCs) have been extensively investigated for different applications in the fields of electronics, automotive, and spacecraft systems due to their intrinsic lightweight character combined with their tailorable mechanical, thermal, optical, and electrical properties [1]. Traditionally, PMCs used for aerospace applications include glass/polyester materials in aircraft radomes [2], carbon/epoxy, aramid/epoxy, carbon/polyimide, and carbon/thermoplastic materials for structural elements [3][4][5]. More recently, the development of high-performance PMCs has shown a steady increase due to the interest in deep space exploration missions.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Combined Effects of Solar Radiation and High Vacuum on the Properties of Graphene/Polysiloxane Nanocomposites in Simulated Space Environment

et al. 2023

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Polymer–matrix composites (PMCs) filled with graphene nanoplatelets (GNP) are ultralightweight combined with the ability to perform a wide range of functions. These materials are interesting for many applications in space environments, including the monitoring of degradation caused by radiation exposure. Recently, the growing interest in outer space exploration, by both unmanned probes and manned space vehicles, has encouraged research to make great strides to facilitate missions, with one goal being to monitor and limit the impact of highly damaging radiation. With this perspective, we investigate the effects of simulated space conditions on the physico-chemical, morphological, and mechanical properties of elastomeric PMCs made from a polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) matrix embedding pristine GNP or a hybrid graphene/DNA filler with high sensitivity to ionising radiation. An analysis of the PMC stability, outgassing, and surface modification is reported for samples exposed to solar radiation under high vacuum (HV, 10−6 mbar). The experimental results highlight the mechanical stability of the PMCs with DNA-modified GNP under solar radiation exposure, whereas the surface morphology is highly affected. On the contrary, the surface properties of PMCs with pristine GNP do not vary significantly under simulated space conditions.

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Impact of Proton Irradiation on Medium Density Polyethylene/Carbon Nanocomposites for Space Shielding Applications

Cited by 8 publications

References 60 publications

Recent Advances and Challenges in Polymer-Based Materials for Space Radiation Shielding

Recent Advances and Challenges in Polymer-Based Materials for Space Radiation Shielding

A Comprehensive Review on the Thermal Stability Assessment of Polymers and Composites for Aeronautics and Space Applications

Combined Effects of Solar Radiation and High Vacuum on the Properties of Graphene/Polysiloxane Nanocomposites in Simulated Space Environment

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