Radiation shielding performance and molecular stability of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) fiber-reinforced hydrogen-rich polybenzoxazine composites following space environment exposure on the International Space Station
Source abstract
Abstract
Abstract This study investigates the performance and molecular stability of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) fiber-reinforced hydrogen-rich polybenzoxazine composites exposed to the space environment on the International Space Station (ISS). The composite is designed specifically for spacecraft applications requiring lightweight radiation shielding against galactic cosmic rays and solar particle events. Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA), and short beam shear testing were used to evaluate both surface degradation and bulk property retention. Chemical degradation due to direct sunlight exposure is limited to the uppermost 30 nm of the composite surface, with formation of hydroxyl and carbonyl groups. No significant changes in the glass transition temperature (T g), short beam shear strength, or density are observed between space-exposed and control samples. Thermoluminescence dosimetry data indicated significant attenuation of incident radiation. This study confirms the potential of the UHMWPE composite material for use as a multifunctional structure and radiation shield for extended space missions. Graphical Abstract
Source: crossref · Quality: baseline
Research context
OpenAlex topics: Epoxy Resin Curing Processes · Synthesis and properties of polymers · Fiber-reinforced polymer composites
SciVX discovery tags are terminology-based. OpenAlex topics are source-provided classifications.
References (45)
Show source-provided references
1. Iguchi D, Ohashi S, Abarro GJ, Yin XZ, Han S, Winroth S, Scott C, Gleydura M, Jin L, Kanagasegar N, Lo C, Arza CR, Froimowicz P, Ishida H (2018) Development of hydrogen-rich benzoxazine resins with low polymerization temperature for space radiation shielding. ACS Omega 3:11569–11581. https://doi.org/10.1021/acsomega.8b0129710.1021/acsomega.8b01297 ↗
2. Winroth S, Scott C, Ishida H (2020) Structure and performance of benzoxazine composites for space radiation shielding. Molecules 25:4346. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules2518434610.3390/molecules25184346 ↗
3. Kim M-HY, Wilson JW, Thibeault SA, Nealy JE, Badavi FF, Kiefer RL (1994) Performance study of galactic cosmic ray shield materials. NASA Langley Research Center. NASA-TP-3473, p 36
4. Thibeault, SA, Fay, CC, Lowther, SE, Earle, KD, Sauti, G, Kang, JH, Park, C, McMullen, AM (2021) Radiation shielding materials containing hydrogen, boron, and nitrogen: systematic computational and experimental study-phase I. NIAC Final Report. Sept. 30
5. EL-Hameed AMA (2022) Radiation effects on composite materials used in space systems: a review. NRIAG J Astron Geophys 11:313–324. https://doi.org/10.1080/20909977.2022.207990210.1080/20909977.2022.2079902 ↗
6. Cherkashina NI, Pavlenko VI, Noskov AV (2019) Synthesis and property evaluations of highly filled polyimide composites under thermal cycling conditions from -190°C to + 200°C. Cryogenics 104:102995. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cryogenics.2019.10299510.1016/j.cryogenics.2019.102995 ↗
7. Hosseini MA, Malekie S, Kazemi F (2022) Experimental evaluation of gamma radiation shielding characteristics of polyvinyl alcohol/tungsten oxide composite: a comparison study of micro and nanosizes of the fillers. Nucl Instrum Methods Phys Res 1026:166214. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nima.2021.16621410.1016/j.nima.2021.166214 ↗
8. Chetverikov YuO, Bykov AA, Krotov AV, Mistonov AA, Murashev MM, Smirnov IV, Tarnavicgh VV (2023) Boron-containing plastic composites as neutron shielding material for additive manufacturing processes. Methods Phys Res. Section A: Accelerat Spectromet, Detect Assoc. Equip. 1055:168406. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nima.2023.16840610.1016/j.nima.2023.168406 ↗
9. Cherkashina NI, Pavlenko VI, Shkaplerov AN, Popova EV, Umnova LA, Ivanova OA, Kartashov DA, Shurshakov VA (2024) Testing a radiation-protective polymer composite on the ISS. Adv Space Res 74:5172–5178. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.asr.2024.07.02910.1016/j.asr.2024.07.029 ↗
10. Al Zaman MA, Monira NJ (2023) Shielding effectiveness of different polymers and low-density hydrides in a combined radiation shield for crewed interplanetary space missions. Rad Phys Chem 205:110706. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.radphyschem.2022.11070610.1016/j.radphyschem.2022.110706 ↗
11. Kumaresan L, Picaimani P, Ellappan S, Paramasivam M (2018) Ceria doped multi reinforced polybenzoxazine nanocomposites with improved UV-shielding and thermo-mechanical properties. Polym Compos 39:2073–2080. https://doi.org/10.1002/pc.2416910.1002/pc.24169 ↗
12. Prabunathan P, Thjennarasu P, Song JK, Muthukaruppan A (2017) Achieving low dielectric, surface free energy and UV shielding green nanocomposites via reinforcing bio-silica aerogel with polybenzoxazine. New J Chem 41:5313–5321. https://doi.org/10.1039/C7NJ00138J10.1039/C7NJ00138J ↗
13. Zegaoui A, Derradji M, Medjahed A, Dayo AQ, Dong W, Liu WB, Cai WA, Wang J, Liu YG (2018) Multifunctional polymer materials with enhanced mechanical, thermal and gamma radiation shielding properties from dicyanate ester of bisphenol-A/bisphenol-A based benzoxazine resin and short Kevlar/basalt hybrid fibers. J Polym Res 25:250. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10965-018-1652-x10.1007/s10965-018-1652-x ↗
14. Zhang T, Yu QY, Yang HT, Wang JJ, Li XB (2019) Understanding the oxygen barrier property of highly transparent poly(lactic acid)/benzoxazine composite film by analyzing the UV-shielding performance. J Appl Polym Sci 136:47510. https://doi.org/10.1002/app.4751010.1002/app.47510 ↗
15. Zegaoui A, Derradji M, Medjahed A, Ghouti HA, Cai WA, Liu WB (2020) Exploring the hybrid effects of short glass/basalt fibers on the mechanical, thermal and gamma-radiation shielding properties of DSBA/BA-a resin composites. Polym Plast Technol Mater 59:311–322. https://doi.org/10.1080/25740881.2019.164723710.1080/25740881.2019.1647237 ↗
16. Mohamed MG, Mahdy A, Obaid RJ, Hegazy MA, Kuo SW, Aly KI (2021) Synthesis and characterization of polybenzoxazine/clay hybrid nanocomposites for UV light shielding and anti-corrosion coatings on mild steel. J Polym Res 28:297. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10965-021-02657-010.1007/s10965-021-02657-0 ↗
17. Kumar S, Hariharan A, Alagar M, Dinakaran K (2021) Low-k and UV shielding polybenzoxazine nanocomposites synthesized from quinoline amine and bio-silica. Compos Interfaces 26:905–923. https://doi.org/10.1080/09276440.2020.183359410.1080/09276440.2020.1833594 ↗
18. Gohel A, Makwana R (2022) Multi-layered shielding materials for high energy space radiation. Radiat Phys Chem 197:110131. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.radphyschem.2022.11013110.1016/j.radphyschem.2022.110131 ↗
19. Cha JH, Kumar SKS, Noh JE, Choi JS, Kim YH, Kim CG (2022) Ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene/hydrogen-rich benzoxazine composite with improved interlaminar shear strength for cosmic radiation shielding and space environment applications. Compos Struct 300:116157. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compstruct.2022.11615710.1016/j.compstruct.2022.116157 ↗
20. Cha JH, Jang WH, Noh JE, Choi WH, Kim CG (2022) A space stealth and cosmic radiation shielding composite: polydopamine-coating and multi-walled carbon nanotube grafting onto an ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene/hydrogen-rich benzoxazine composite. Compos Sci Technol 230:109711. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compscitech.2022.10971110.1016/j.compscitech.2022.109711 ↗
21. Mahdy A, Mohamed MG, Aly KI, Ahmed H, Emam HE (2023) Liquid crystalline polybenzoxazines for manufacturing of technical textiles: water repellency and ultraviolet shielding. Polym Test 119:107933. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.polymertesting.2023.10793310.1016/j.polymertesting.2023.107933 ↗
22. Abdous S, Derradji M, Mekhalif Z, Khiari K, Mehelli Q, Cherif Y (2023) Advances in polymeric neutron shielding: the role of benzoxazine-h-BN nanocomposites in nuclear protection. Radiat Res 200:242–255. https://doi.org/10.1667/RADE-23-00060.110.1667/RADE-23-00060.1 ↗
23. Abdous S, Derradji M, Mrkhalif Z, Khiari K, Mehelli O, Cherif YB (2023) Exploring the potential of benzoxazine-based nanocomposites for lightweight neutron shielding applications. High Perform Polym 35:812–826. https://doi.org/10.1177/0954008323117911410.1177/09540083231179114 ↗
24. Daham A, Zegaoui A, Derradji M, Gorar AAK, Wang J, Tian B, Pan ZC, Liu WB, Moussa Z (2024) Shielding performances of short carbon fibers and tungsten particles reinforced benzoxazine resin matrix composites. J Reinf Plast Compos 43:386–397. https://doi.org/10.1177/0731684423116377510.1177/07316844231163775 ↗
25. Dever JA, Banks BA, Yan L (2006) Effects of vacuum ultraviolet radiation on DC93-500 silicone. J Spacecr Rockets 43:386–392. https://doi.org/10.2514/1.1522610.2514/1.15226 ↗
26. Miller SKR, Dever JA (2011) Materials international space station experiment 5 polymer film thermal control experiment. J Spacecr Rockets 48:240–245. https://doi.org/10.2514/1.4948210.2514/1.49482 ↗
27. Delfini A, Santoni F, Bisegna F, Piergentili F, Pastore R, Vricella A, Albano M, Familiari G, Battaglione E, Matassa R, Marchetti M (2019) Evaluation of atomic oxygen effects on nano-coated carbon-carbon structures for re-entry applications. Acta Astronaut 161:276–282. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.actaastro.2019.05.04810.1016/j.actaastro.2019.05.048 ↗
28. Miller SKR, Dever JA, Banks BA, Waters DL, Sechkar E, Kline S (2012) MISSE 6 polymer film tensile experiment. NASA Glenn Research Center, NASA/TM-2012–217688
29. De Groh, KK. Banks, BA, Asmar, OC, Yi, GT, Mitchell, GG, Guo, A, Sechkar, EA (2017) Erosion results of the MISSE 8 polymers experiment after 2 years of space exposure on the International Space Station, NASA Glenn Research Center, NASA/TM-2017–219445
30. Visentine JT, Leger LJ (1986) Material interactions with the low earth orbital environment: accurate reaction rate measurements. JPL Publ 87–14:11–20
31. National Aeronautics and Space Administration (1976) U.S. Standard Atmosphere, NASA TM-X-74335
32. Ning X, Ishida H (1994) Phenolic materials via ring-opening polymerization: synthesis and characterization of bisphenol A-based benzoxazines and their polymers. J Polym Sci Chem Ed 32:1121–1129. https://doi.org/10.1002/pola.1994.08032061410.1002/pola.1994.080320614 ↗
33. Nair CPR (2004) Advances in addition-cure phenolic resins. Prog Polym Sci 29:401–498. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.progpolymsci.2004.01.00410.1016/j.progpolymsci.2004.01.004 ↗
34. Ghosh NN, Kiskan B, Yagci Y (2007) Polybenzoxazines-new high performance ther-mosetting resins: synthesis and properties. Prog Polym Sci 32:1344–1391. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.progpolymsci.2007.07.00210.1016/j.progpolymsci.2007.07.002 ↗
35. Ishida AQ, Ishida H (2011) Overview and historical background of polybenzoxazine research. In: Ishida H, Agag T (eds) Handbook of benzoxazine resins. Elsevier, Amsterdam, pp 3–83. https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-444-53790-4.00046-110.1016/B978-0-444-53790-4.00046-1 ↗
36. Rimdusit S, Jubsilp C, Tiptipakorn S (2013) Alloys and composites of polybenzoxazines. Springer Nature Singapore (Singapore) pp 1–15910.1007/978-981-4451-76-5_1 ↗
37. Ishida H, Froimowicz P (eds) (2017) Advanced and emerging polybenzoxazine science and technology. Elsevier, Amsterdam, pp 1-1126
38. Machado I, Shaer C, Hurdle K, Calado V, Ishida H (2021) Towards the development of green flame retardancy by polybenzoxazines. Prog Polym Sci 121:101435. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.progpolymsci.2021.10143510.1016/j.progpolymsci.2021.101435 ↗
39. Ishida H, Low HY (1997) A study on the volumetric expansion of benzoxazine-based phenolic resin. Macromolecules 30:1099–1106. https://doi.org/10.1021/ma960539a10.1021/ma960539a ↗
40. Brunovska Z, Lyon R, Ishida H (2000) Thermal properties of phthalonitrile functional polybenzoxazines. Thermochim Acta 357:195–203. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0040-6031(00)00388-910.1016/S0040-6031(00)00388-9 ↗
41. Sonnier R, Otazagine B, Dumazert L, Menard R, Viretto A, Dumas L, Bonnaud L, Dubois P, Safronava N, Walters R, Lyon R (2017) Prediction of thermosets flammability using a model based on group contributions. Polymer 127:203–213. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.polymer.2017.09.01210.1016/j.polymer.2017.09.012 ↗
42. Liu J, Safronava N, Lyon RE, Maia J, Ishida H (2018) Enhanced thermal property and flame retardancy via intramolecular 5-membered ring hydrogen bond-forming amide functional benzoxazine resins. Macromolecules 51:9982–9991. https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.macromol.8b0203310.1021/acs.macromol.8b02033 ↗
43. Lu Y, Zhang Y, Zhang K (2022) Renewable biomass resources to access halogen- and phosphorus-free flame retardant thermosets with ultra-low heat release capacity. Chem Eng J 448:137670. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cej.2022.13767010.1016/j.cej.2022.137670 ↗
44. Lyon, RE, Janssens, ML (2005) Polymer flammability. Technical Report DOT/FAA/AR-05/1410.1002/0471440264.pst135 ↗
45. Scott CE, Ishida H, Winroth SA (2021) Polybenzoxazine resins with high hydrogen content, and composites therefrom. US Pat No 11,124,608B2