DEVELOPMENT OF RADIATION-RESISTANT ORGANIC COMPOSITES FOR CRYOGENIC USE

The mechanism of the radiation induced degradation of the mechanical p roperties in composite materials have been studied and based on the me chanism the radiation resistant organic composites for fusion magnet h ave been developing. It was found that the degradation was brought by the change of the fracture mode from tensile (or flexural) to shear fa ilure. Consequently the intrinsic parameter which control the degradat ion was concluded to be the interlaminar shear strength. To develop th e radiation resistant composites, therefore, means to develop the comp osites showing the radiation resistant interlaminar shear strength. Th e mechanism was confirmed using three dimensional fabric reinforced pl astics which do not have the interlaminar area. The roles of matrix in the composites were also revealed. The effects of dose quality and ir radiated temperature on the radiation induced degradation were also di scussed and the selection standards of the components for radiation re sistant composites were proposed. Copyright (C) 1996 Elsevier Science Ltd.