Composite Fabrication Using Electron-Beam Rapidly Cured Atomic Oxygen Resistant Polymers

摘要

Low cost, efficiently processed ultra hig specific strength and modulus graphite fiber reinforced polymeric composite materials are of great interest to fommercial transportation, contruction adn aerospace industries for use in various components with enhanced degrees of weight reduction, corrosion/erosion resistance and fatigue resistance. 10 MeEV Electron Beam cure processing has been found to increase the cure rate by an order of magnitude over thermally cured systems yet with less molded in stresses and hig T_gs. These materials are of great interest to NASA and the aerospace industry for use in exterior structural spacecraft components. However, corrosive and rrosive attack of typical polymer binders makin gupthe composite, by atomic oxygen (AO) and micrometeoroid bombardement present while in a low earth orbit, has prevented use without some type of (weight adding) metallic or ceramic AO shield. Outstanding resistance to attack by atomic oxygen has been demonstrated by a new series of composite processable resins.