Study on thermal properties of radiation-resistant epoxy composite

Boron-free glass fiber reinforced isopropylidenebisphenol bis[(2-glycidyloxy-3-n-butoxy)-1-propylether]/triglycidyl-p-aminophenol (IPBE/TGPAP) epoxy matrix composite cured by diethyl toluene diamine (DETD) was prepared by vacuum press impregnation (VPI). The thermal behaviors of the composite, such as thermal expansion coefficient and thermal conductivity, between room temperature (RT) and liquid nitrogen temperature (77 K) were investigated before and after 1 MGy of 60Co γ-ray radiation. In addition, thermogravimetric analysis and Fourier transform infra-red spectroscopy were used to evaluate thermal stability and chemical structural changes of epoxy matrix. Results revealed that the thermal properties of the composites and the chemical structure of epoxy resin matrix was not affected by the γ-ray radiation with a dose of 1MGy.

► Boron-free glass fiber reinforced composite was prepared by VPI process.
► The thermal expansion coefficient of the composite was investigated.
► The thermal conductivity of the composite was investigated.