Radiation resistant polymer–carbon nanotube nanocomposite thin films

We have studied degradation of poly(methyl methacrylate)–CNT nanocomposite thin films, using a UV-ozone and an e-beam radiation as a function of CNT concentration. We have shown that the addition of CNT fillers can have a dramatic reinforcement effect on the nature of degradation by both high-energy radiations, where polymer-free radicals are mainly responsible for the proliferation of degradation. In addition, CNT networks can effectively disperse the radiation. The saturation in the reinforcement effect was observed when a concentration of CNT was approximately 0.5 wt.%. This concentration was interpreted in terms of a critical concentration for percolation of the CNT network, and the result was consistent with the sheet resistivity measurement for which physical contact between CNT fibers was evident.