Radiation and thermal effects upon mechanics of polymer composites

Abstract

Object and purpose of research. This paper discusses polymeric composites of various structural applications that may be exposed to extreme temperature and/or radiation, with possible implications for their physical and mechanical properties. Materials and methods. We used static and dynamic methods for determining the constants characterizing the mechanical properties of polymer composites. The analysis of numerous nuclear reactions occurring during neutron irradiation of a polymer composite with a certain chemical composition was carried out by the method of computational prediction. The results of this analysis confirm the change in the composition of the composite and the possibility of changing its internal structure. Main results. Suitability of the investigated composites for the applications accompanied by high-temperature and radiation effects, like foundations of marine nuclear reactors, has been confirmed. Conclusion. For the considered range of temperature and radiation effects, the effect of temperature on structural performance of a composite determined, in its turn, by the mechanical properties of its matrix, is the most significant, while radiation exposure turned out to be less important. Developing polymer composites for more intense radiation environments, like neutron fluxes or gamma rays, it is advisable to optimize their chemistry so as to reduce or totally eliminate the elements capable of generating long-lived radionuclides.

Keywords

• polymer composites
• temperature exposure
• radiation exposure
• nuclear reactions
• radionuclides
• neutrons
• gamma radiation
• induced radioactivity