Date of Award

3-22-2012

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science

Department

Department of Engineering Physics

First Advisor

John W. McClory, PhD.

Abstract

Electromagnetic interference shielding effectiveness and conductive properties of carbon nanotube containing composites intended for use as satellite surface materials have been investigated following electron and neutron irradiation. The MWCNT composites were irradiated to fluence levels of 1016 electrons/cm2 with 500 keV electrons. Increase in EMI-SE and conductivity was observed following electron irradiation in two of the samples. The sample with alternating layers of MWCNT and glass had a decrease in conductivity and an increase in EMI-SE post irradiation. This would suggest that the different layered configuration does play a role in the durability of the composite. Having multiple conductive layers of MWCNT composites provide increased durability against electron irradiation. Additional electron irradiations were conducted on three MWCNT composite with the two layers of MWCNT on the outside and 4 layers of glass sandwich in the center. The second set of MWCNT composites were irradiated with 1.0 MeV Si(eq) neutrons to a fluence level of 1014 neutrons/cm2 and 1015 neutrons/cm2. Minor changes in the conductivity and no change in EMI-SE was observed in the MWCNT composites. The overall changes observed; however, are inconsequential to MWCNT composites' intended use as satellite surface structure. In addition, the different layered configurations did have an effect on the electrical properties and durability of the composite under irradiation. The sample with the alternating layer of MWCNT and glass had the least favorable configuration of the three designs.

AFIT Designator

AFIT-NUCL-ANP-12-M05

DTIC Accession Number

ADA557834

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