Effect of the γ-radiation on the properties of epoxy-based shape memory polymers

Abstract

In this article, the epoxy-based shape memory polymers were exposed to simulated γ-radiation environments up to 140 days for an accelerated irradiation. The influence of γ-radiation on thermal and mechanical properties was evaluated by differential scanning calorimetry, dynamic mechanical analysis, and tensile test. The glass transition temperatures ( T g ) determined by differential scanning calorimetry and dynamic mechanical analysis decreased no more than 10%, and the shape recovery speed became a little faster after γ-radiation of 1 × 10 5 Gy. The tensile strength and elastic modulus could, respectively, maintain 26 MPa and 1.36 GPa after being irradiated by 1 × 10 6 Gy radiation, showing great potential in aerospace structural materials.