Resistance to proton radiation of nano-TiO2 modified silicone rubber

The damage caused by 150 keV proton irradiation for two kinds of methyl silicone rubber, including the silicone rubber reinforced with MQ silicone resin (M-SR) and the silicone rubber modified with nano-TiO2 particles based on the M-SR rubber (T-SR), was studied using a space combined irradiation simulator. In terms of the changes in surface morphology, mass loss and mechanical properties, as well as microstructure, the resistance to proton irradiation of the T-SR were evaluated. Experimental results show that there are aging cracks appearing on the surface of M-SR silicone rubber after irradiation. With the increase of proton fluence, the mass loss ratio of M-SR silicone rubber increases. The effects of cross-linking and degradation caused by proton irradiation in the M-SR lead to the corresponding changes in mechanical properties, including hardness, tensile strength and elongation at break, as well as the storage modulus and the glass temperature. The damage effect of the T-SR under the same condition of proton irradiation is similar to that of the M-SR, but the magnitude of damage of the T-SR is lower, which showing a better resistance performance to proton irradiation.