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Structure and Performance of Benzoxazine Composites for Space Radiation Shielding.

ABSTRACT: Innovative multifunctional materials that combine structural functionality with other spacecraft subsystem functions have been identified as a key enabling technology for future deep space missions. In this work, we report the structure and performance of multifunctional polymer matrix composites developed for aerospace applications that require both structural functionality and space radiation shielding. Composites comprised of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) fiber reinforcement and a hydrogen-rich polybenzoxazine matrix are prepared using a low-pressure vacuum bagging process. The polybenzoxazine matrix is derived from a novel benzoxazine resin that possesses a unique combination of attributes: high hydrogen concentration for shielding against galactic cosmic rays (GCR), low polymerization temperature to prevent damage to UHMWPE fibers during composite fabrication, long shelf-life, and low viscosity to improve flow during molding. Dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) is used to study rheological and thermomechanical properties. Composite mechanical properties, obtained using several standardized tests, are reported. Improvement in composite stiffness, through the addition of carbon fiber skin layers, is investigated. Radiation shielding performance is evaluated using computer-based simulations. The composites demonstrate clear advantages over benchmark materials in terms of combined structural and radiation shielding performance.

SUBMITTER: Winroth S

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7570591 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

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Structure and Performance of Benzoxazine Composites for Space Radiation Shielding.

Winroth Scott S Scott Chris C Ishida Hatsuo H

Molecules (Basel, Switzerland) 20200922 18

Innovative multifunctional materials that combine structural functionality with other spacecraft subsystem functions have been identified as a key enabling technology for future deep space missions. In this work, we report the structure and performance of multifunctional polymer matrix composites developed for aerospace applications that require both structural functionality and space radiation shielding. Composites comprised of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) fiber reinforceme ...[more]

PMID: 32971937

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Project description:Space travel has advanced significantly over the last six decades with astronauts spending up to 6 months at the International Space Station. Nonetheless, the living environment while in outer space is extremely challenging to astronauts. In particular, exposure to space radiation represents a serious potential long-term threat to the health of astronauts because the amount of radiation exposure accumulates during their time in space. Therefore, health risks associated with exposure to space radiation are an important topic in space travel, and characterizing space radiation in detail is essential for improving the safety of space missions. In the first part of this review, we provide an overview of the space radiation environment and briefly present current and future endeavors that monitor different space radiation environments. We then present research evaluating adverse biological effects caused by exposure to various space radiation environments and how these can be reduced. We especially consider the deleterious effects on cellular DNA and how cells activate DNA repair mechanisms. The latest technologies being developed, e.g., a fluorescent ubiquitination-based cell cycle indicator, to measure real-time cell cycle progression and DNA damage caused by exposure to ultraviolet radiation are presented. Progress in examining the combined effects of microgravity and radiation to animals and plants are summarized, and our current understanding of the relationship between psychological stress and radiation is presented. Finally, we provide details about protective agents and the study of organisms that are highly resistant to radiation and how their biological mechanisms may aid developing novel technologies that alleviate biological damage caused by radiation. Future research that furthers our understanding of the effects of space radiation on human health will facilitate risk-mitigating strategies to enable long-term space and planetary exploration.

Dataset Information

Structure and Performance of Benzoxazine Composites for Space Radiation Shielding.

Publications

Structure and Performance of Benzoxazine Composites for Space Radiation Shielding.

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