ABSTRACT
This paper describes a detailed understanding of how nanofillers function as radiation barriers within the polymer matrix, and how their effectiveness is impacted by factors such as composition, size, loading, surface chemistry, and dispersion. We designed a comprehensive investigation of heavy ion irradiation resistance in epoxy matrix composites loaded with surface-modified ceria nanofillers, utilizing tandem computational and experimental methods to elucidate radiolytic damage processes and relate them to chemical and structural changes observed through thermal analysis, vibrational spectroscopy, and electron microscopy. A detailed mechanistic examination supported by FTIR spectroscopy data identified the bisphenol A moiety as a primary target for degradation reactions. Results of computational modeling by the Stopping Range of Ions in Matter (SRIM) Monte Carlo simulation were in good agreement with damage analysis from surface and cross-sectional SEM imaging. All metrics indicated that ceria nanofillers reduce the damage area in polymer nanocomposites, and that nanofiller loading and homogeneity of dispersion are key to effective damage prevention. The results of this study represent a significant pathway for engineered irradiation tolerance in a diverse array of polymer nanocomposite materials. Numerous areas of materials science can benefit from utilizing this facile and effective method to extend the reliability of polymer materials.
