Polymer–matrix composites (PMCs) filled with graphene nanoplatelets (GNP) are ultralightweight combined with the ability to perform a wide range of functions. These materials are interesting for many applications in space environments, including the monitoring of degradation caused by radiation exposure. Recently, the growing interest in outer space exploration, by both unmanned probes and manned space vehicles, has encouraged research to make great strides to facilitate missions, with one goal being to monitor and limit the impact of highly damaging radiation. With this perspective, we investigate the effects of simulated space conditions on the physico-chemical, morphological, and mechanical properties of elastomeric PMCs made from a polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) matrix embedding pristine GNP or a hybrid graphene/DNA filler with high sensitivity to ionising radiation. An analysis of the PMC stability, outgassing, and surface modification is reported for samples exposed to solar radiation under high vacuum (HV, 10−6 mbar). The experimental results highlight the mechanical stability of the PMCs with DNA-modified GNP under solar radiation exposure, whereas the surface morphology is highly affected. On the contrary, the surface properties of PMCs with pristine GNP do not vary significantly under simulated space conditions.

Combined effects of solar radiation and high vacuum on the properties of graphene/polysiloxane nanocomposites in simulated space environment / Toto, Elisa; Laurenzi, Susanna; Paris, Claudio; Santonicola, Mariagabriella. - In: JOURNAL OF COMPOSITES SCIENCE. - ISSN 2504-477X. - 7:6(2023), pp. 1-16. [10.3390/jcs7060215]

Combined effects of solar radiation and high vacuum on the properties of graphene/polysiloxane nanocomposites in simulated space environment

Elisa Toto
Primo
Investigation
;
Susanna Laurenzi
Secondo
Conceptualization
;
Claudio Paris
Penultimo
Methodology
;
Mariagabriella Santonicola
Ultimo
Validation
2023

Abstract

Polymer–matrix composites (PMCs) filled with graphene nanoplatelets (GNP) are ultralightweight combined with the ability to perform a wide range of functions. These materials are interesting for many applications in space environments, including the monitoring of degradation caused by radiation exposure. Recently, the growing interest in outer space exploration, by both unmanned probes and manned space vehicles, has encouraged research to make great strides to facilitate missions, with one goal being to monitor and limit the impact of highly damaging radiation. With this perspective, we investigate the effects of simulated space conditions on the physico-chemical, morphological, and mechanical properties of elastomeric PMCs made from a polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) matrix embedding pristine GNP or a hybrid graphene/DNA filler with high sensitivity to ionising radiation. An analysis of the PMC stability, outgassing, and surface modification is reported for samples exposed to solar radiation under high vacuum (HV, 10−6 mbar). The experimental results highlight the mechanical stability of the PMCs with DNA-modified GNP under solar radiation exposure, whereas the surface morphology is highly affected. On the contrary, the surface properties of PMCs with pristine GNP do not vary significantly under simulated space conditions.
2023
polymer–matrix composites (PMCs); graphene nanoplatelets (GNP); space environment; surface degradation; mechanical properties
01 Pubblicazione su rivista::01a Articolo in rivista
Combined effects of solar radiation and high vacuum on the properties of graphene/polysiloxane nanocomposites in simulated space environment / Toto, Elisa; Laurenzi, Susanna; Paris, Claudio; Santonicola, Mariagabriella. - In: JOURNAL OF COMPOSITES SCIENCE. - ISSN 2504-477X. - 7:6(2023), pp. 1-16. [10.3390/jcs7060215]
File allegati a questo prodotto
File Dimensione Formato  
Toto_Combined-effects-solar_2023.pdf

accesso aperto

Note: Articolo su rivista
Tipologia: Versione editoriale (versione pubblicata con il layout dell'editore)
Licenza: Creative commons
Dimensione 5.53 MB
Formato Adobe PDF
5.53 MB Adobe PDF

I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.

Utilizza questo identificativo per citare o creare un link a questo documento: https://hdl.handle.net/11573/1680743
Citazioni
  • ???jsp.display-item.citation.pmc??? ND
  • Scopus 5
  • ???jsp.display-item.citation.isi??? 5
social impact