Loading...
The Production of Novel Poly(arylene ethers) for Use as Radiation Shielding in Outer Space
Speers, Ellen Hutchins
Speers, Ellen Hutchins
Abstract
Current radiation shielding materials are not effective for shielding astronauts and equipment for long missions. Radiation threats include galactic cosmic radiation, solar energetic particles, neutrons, and electromagnetic radiation. Novel, lightweight materials must be developed that have the appropriate radiation shielding capabilities and the thermal and mechanical abilities to be used for a wide variety of applications. Poly(arylene ethers) have excellent mechanical and thermal properties, and may be engineered to include radiation shielding components. In this research, four different high hydrogen-content poly(arylene ethers) were synthesized. A gadolinium salt and modified tungsten nanoparticles were produced to be incorporated into the polymers to provide enhanced shielding capabilities. Both thin films and a thick bar were produced. The polymers mostly showed good resistance to thermal degradation. These initial findings and future research may lead to the successful development of new materials for radiation shielding on long-term outer space missions.
Description
Thesis is part of Honors ETD pilot project, 2008-2013. Migrated from Dspace in 2016.
Date
2011-05-12
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Collections
Download Dataset
Rights Holder
Usage License
Embargo
Research Projects
Organizational Units
Journal Issue
Keywords
Poly(arylene ether), Radiation, Polymers
Citation
Department
Chemistry