Ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene/hydrogen-rich benzoxazine composite with improved interlaminar shear strength for cosmic radiation shielding and space environment applications

Commercial off -the-shelf is being used as an electronic device for high-performance, low-cost satellites but is vulnerable to cosmic radiation. UHMWPE/hydrogen-rich benzoxazine composite (UHC) exhibits excellent cosmic radiation shielding. However, the low interfacial adhesion of UHMWPE causes low flexural strength and delamination of the UHC. We increased the interlaminar shear strength of UHC via polydopamine coating, MWCNT, and amine grafting on UHMWPE. The total mass loss and collected volatile condensable material tests were performed on the UHC to confirm for space environmental suitability. The proposed material is expected to be utilized as a cosmic radiation shielding panel for future satellites.