Influence of electron accelerator irradiation on epoxy nanocomposites materials for spacecraft structure

Different types of surfactants; nonionic, anionic and cationic represented by Polyoxyethylene sorbitan monooleate (Tween 80), sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS), and cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) respectively were used to select a proper type of surfactant enhancing dispersion quality of multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) in the epoxy resin. Hereinafter, the effect of one of the most severe space environment threats which are an electron beam on the candidate material used as a structural space material. The candidate material is characterized by furrier transformation infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), mechanical properties, surface tension, and electrical dispersion measurement. The mechanical results revealed that the strength increases by 10% while adding the CTAB surfactant, while decreases by 27% and 32% by adding tween-80 and SDS respectively. The anionic surfactant SDS, despite keeping the stiffness the reference sample it is the lower strength and elongation. The CTAB improves the mechanical properties by improving the strength and stiffness while elongation is significantly decreased by adding any of the surfactants. The surface tension of Tween 80 and anionic surfactant; SDS,  = 24.4 mN/m while the surface tension in case of the CTAB is  = 25.4 mN/m. Surface tension and electrical dispersion measurement results reveal that the nonionic surfactant Tween 80 led to a uniform dispersion of MWCNTs in the epoxy than other surfactants. The effect of 100-kGy irradiation via electron beam on the structure and its electrical properties of the epoxy composites was studied. Improving the dispersion quality of the MWCNTs in epoxy nanocomposites materials for spacecraft structure occurred.