About this Abstract |
| Meeting |
2027 TMS Annual Meeting & Exhibition
|
| Symposium
|
Materials and Manufacturing in Space
|
| Presentation Title |
Ultra-Strong, Lightweight Polymer Composite Films for Space Applications |
| Author(s) |
Tengfei Luo, Seunghyun Moon, JR Dennison |
| On-Site Speaker (Planned) |
Tengfei Luo |
| Abstract Scope |
This study investigates the effects of prolonged radiation exposure on high-strength, highly crystalline polyethylene (PE) composite films for space applications. The films were subjected to three conditions simulating the space environment: Strontium-90 beta radiation (0.2 to 2.5 MeV), 80 keV electron beam irradiation, and ultraviolet (UV) exposure. Despite similar total ionizing doses (TID > 2.5 kGy) for the beta and electron beams, the electron beam induced more significant mechanical degradation. This may be attributed to higher electron flux, which increases free radical formation, and to the shorter penetration depth of 80 keV electrons relative to 0.9 MeV beta particles, causing localized surface damage. Separately, PE-graphene composites exposed to UV (>600 J/cm2), equivalent to 12.6 years in space, retained tensile strength exceeding 1.5 GPa. These findings provide critical insights into the radiation resistance of PE composites and support the development of durable materials for long-term space missions. |
| Proceedings Inclusion? |
Planned: |
| Keywords |
Polymers, Composites, Environmental Effects |