Space radiation shielding can be achieved by hydrogen-rich materials.  Ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) fiber has one of the highest hydrogen concentration among all materials and can be an effective reinforcing fiber. Due to its low melting temperature, the processing temperature must be made rather low, which limits the polymerization temperature of the matrix resin to be below 130oC for 2 hours. The current presentation reports more than ten years of extensive investigation of the understanding of benzoxazine polymerization mechanism to develop low temperature polymerizing and sufficient shelf life, the two opposing requirements. A thick UHMWPE fiber reinforced polybnenzoxazine composite parts have been successfully molded and is now scheduled to be placed in the International Space Station for further experiment.  The presentation reports the molecular design principle, properties of the polymer, simulated radiation shielding capability and brief mechanical properties.<br/>

Molecular design and development of polybenzoxazines that protects astronauts from galactic cosmic rays: Low-temperature polymerization and improved shelf-life benzoxazine resin

2019 Spring National Meeting

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