Ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene/hydrogen-rich benzoxazine composite with improved interlaminar shear strength for cosmic radiation shielding and space environment applications

Commercial off-the-shelf is being used as an electronic device for high-performance, low-cost satellites but is vulnerable to cosmic radiation. UHMWPE/hydrogen-rich benzoxazine composite (UHC) exhibits excellent cos-mic radiation shielding. However, the low interfacial adhesion of UHMWPE causes low flexural strength and delamination of the UHC. We increased the interlaminar shear strength of UHC via polydopamine coating, MWCNT, and amine grafting on UHMWPE. The total mass loss and collected volatile condensable material tests were performed on the UHC to confirm for space environmental suitability. The proposed material is expected to be utilized as a cosmic radiation shielding panel for future satellites.

Automated summary

This study focuses on improving the interlaminar shear strength of UHC to enhance its cosmic radiation shielding performance for future satellites. The proposed material, with modifications such as polydopamine coating, MWCNT, and amine grafting, shows promising results and suitability for space environments.