Poly(Aryl Ether Nitrile)/Bismuth Tungstate Nanocomposites Exhibit Excellent Mechanical Stability Under High‐Dose Electron Beam Radiation

ABSTRACT In response to the growing demands for radiation‐resistant materials in aerospace, nuclear, and high‐energy applications, this study investigates the effects of high‐dose electron beam irradiation on poly(aryl ether nitrile) (PEN) reinforced with bismuth tungstate (Bi ₂ WO ₆ ) nanoparticles. PEN was synthesized via nucleophilic substitution polymerization with a number‐average molecular weight of 60,593, while Bi ₂ WO ₆ nanoparticles were prepared via a hydrothermal method and surface‐modified with γ‐aminopropyltriethoxysilane to enhance interfacial compatibility. The composites were subjected to electron beam irradiation at doses up to 5000 kGy. The molecular weight of irradiated PEN decreases significantly, and new aliphatic protons appear in its molecular structure, indicating that chain scission occurred at the quaternary carbon bridge position during irradiation. This results in a significant reduction in mechanical strength, with only 51.2% of the original strength retained after 5000 kGy irradiation. The incorporation of Bi ₂ WO ₆ nanoparticles significantly improves radiation resistance and mechanical stability, with 62.2% of strength retention after 5000 kGy irradiation, and the thermal stability and residual carbon content have significantly increased. Moreover, surface analysis reveals increased roughness and microcracking with irradiation dose. This research demonstrates the potential of PEN/bismuth tungstate nanocomposites as promising candidates for use in extreme radiation environments.