Comparative analysis of single-walled, double-walled, and multi-walled carbon nanotube-reinforced Poly(2,5-benzimidazole) composites: Enhanced structural and thermal stability for radiation shielding in low Earth Orbit

IF 2.8 3区物理与天体物理 Q3 CHEMISTRY, PHYSICAL

Radiation Physics and Chemistry Pub Date : 2025-03-05 DOI:10.1016/j.radphyschem.2025.112658

Lynndle Square , Bosco Oryema , Pako Mafoko , Ernst Ellis , Henriette Vorster

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引用次数: 0

Abstract

Poly(2,5-benzimidazole) (ABPBI) composites reinforced with 1 wt% single-wall (SWCNT), double-wall (DWCNT), and multi-wall (MWCNT) carbon nanotubes were synthesised and evaluated for radiation shielding applications in Low Earth Orbit (LEO). The structural and thermal properties of these nanocomposites were characterized using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA), Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), and Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM). FTIR analysis confirmed the retention of ABPBI's characteristic molecular structure across all nanocomposites, with ABPBI/DWCNT exhibiting the strongest molecular bonding. Thermal analysis demonstrated exceptional stability, with ∼95% weight retention at 400 °C and ∼70% at 900 °C, suggesting suitability for high-temperature applications.

To assess radiation resistance, 3 MeV He²⁺ ion bombardment was performed on ABPBI/DWCNT nanocomposites. Post-irradiation FTIR and XRD results indicated mild molecular degradation but preserved semi-crystalline structures, demonstrating strong radiation tolerance. AFM analysis further revealed nanoscale surface modifications, providing insights into radiation-induced morphological changes and confirming the structural resilience of ABPBI-based nanocomposites. The results suggest that ABPBI/DWCNT exhibits promising mechanical integrity, thermal stability, and radiation resistance for space applications.

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来源期刊

Radiation Physics and Chemistry 化学-核科学技术

CiteScore

5.60

自引率

17.20%

发文量

574

审稿时长

12 weeks

期刊介绍： Radiation Physics and Chemistry is a multidisciplinary journal that provides a medium for publication of substantial and original papers, reviews, and short communications which focus on research and developments involving ionizing radiation in radiation physics, radiation chemistry and radiation processing. The journal aims to publish papers with significance to an international audience, containing substantial novelty and scientific impact. The Editors reserve the rights to reject, with or without external review, papers that do not meet these criteria. This could include papers that are very similar to previous publications, only with changed target substrates, employed materials, analyzed sites and experimental methods, report results without presenting new insights and/or hypothesis testing, or do not focus on the radiation effects.