Radiation effects on epoxy/carbon-fiber composite

Carbon fiber-reinforced bisphenol-A epoxy matrix composite was evaluated for gamma radiation resistance. The composite was exposed to total gamma doses of 0.5, 1.0, and 2.0 MGy. Irradiated and baseline samples were tested for tensile strength, hardness and evaluated using Fourier transform infra-red spectroscopy and differential scanning calorimetry for structural changes. Scanning electron microscopy was used to evaluate microstructural behavior. Mechanical testing of the composite bars revealed no apparent change in modulus, strain to failure, or fracture strength after exposures. However, testing of only the epoxy matrix revealed changes in hardness, thermal properties, and spectroscopy results with increasing gamma irradiation. The results quantify the changes in the epoxy within the composite as a result of exposure to gamma radiation at doses relevant to service.