Polymer nanocomposite for space applications

Polymer nanocomposites, synthesized using acid-functionalized multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) as filler material, are proposed for space radiation-shielding applications. The morphology and quality of the functionalized MWCNTs (f-MWCNTs) were evaluated using field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), Raman spectroscopy, and Fourier transform infrared spectrometer (FTIR). It is well-established that polymer reinforced with MWCNTs enhances of the overall material properties. With the significant progress in the field of polymer composites, there is an increasing demand to use them as an alternative solution; especially in space industry wherein the launch cost can dramatically be reduced by decreasing the overall payload using lightweight, cost-effective, multifunctional polymer composites. In this work, we reinforced a high performance polymer, polybenzimidazole (PBI), with acid-functionalized MWCNTs and evaluated the effects of electron beam radiation on the PBI nanocomposites.