Study on X-ray Irradiation Effect of Shape Memory Epoxy for Space Deployable Structures

The space deployable structure based on shape memory polymers is a promising development direction for large spacecraft in the future. However, in the space environment, shape memory polymers will be affected by a series of harsh space environments, such as X-ray radiation, causing degradation of material properties and even affecting the normal operation of spacecraft. In this paper, based on bisphenol A epoxy resin, shape memory epoxy materials with different polymer three-dimensional network structures were obtained by introducing different ratios of curing agents. Secondly, through the relevant experimental tests, the influence of the three-dimensional network structure of the shape memory epoxy material on its thermal, electrical and X-ray radiation induced conductivity properties was studied and analyzed. It is found that the epoxy material with higher curing agent ratio, that is, the shape memory epoxy material with denser three-dimensional network structure has deeper trap depth and larger trap charge density, which might lead to higher detrap current under high energy external excitation, and result in higher X-ray irradiation induced conductivity.