Document Type
Article
Publication Date
10-1-2025
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 (Tg), 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.
Keywords
benzoxazine resin, chemical structural analysis, galactic cosmic ray, near earth orbit, polybenzoxazine, UV degradation
Language
English
Publication Title
Advanced Composites and Hybrid Materials
Rights
© 2025, The Author(s). This is an Open Access work distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/) which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
Recommended Citation
Scott, C., Froimowicz, P., Winroth, S. et al. 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. Adv Compos Hybrid Mater 8, 356 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1007/s42114-025-01451-6
Manuscript Version
Final Publisher Version