Comparative analysis of single-walled, double-walled, and multi-walled carbon nanotube-reinforced Poly(2,5-benzimidazole) composites: Enhanced structural and thermal stability for radiation shielding in low Earth Orbit

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dc.contributor.authorSquare, Lynndle
dc.contributor.authorOryema, Bosco
dc.contributor.authorMafoko, Pako
dc.contributor.authorEllis, Ernst
dc.contributor.authorVorster, Henriette
dc.date.accessioned2025-03-14T15:04:55Z
dc.date.available2025-03-14T15:04:55Z
dc.date.issued2025-03-05
dc.description.abstractPoly(2,5-benzimidazole) (ABPBI) composites reinforced with 1 wt% single-wall (SWCNT), double-wall (DWCNT), and multi-wall (MWCNT) carbon nanotubes were synthesised and evaluated for radiation shielding applications in Low Earth Orbit (LEO). The structural and thermal properties of these nanocomposites were characterized using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA), Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), and Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM). FTIR analysis confirmed the retention of ABPBI's characteristic molecular structure across all nanocomposites, with ABPBI/DWCNT exhibiting the strongest molecular bonding. Thermal analysis demonstrated exceptional stability, with ∼95% weight retention at 400 °C and ∼70% at 900 °C, suggesting suitability for high-temperature applications. To assess radiation resistance, 3 MeV He2+ ion bombardment was performed on ABPBI/DWCNT nanocomposites. Post-irradiation FTIR and XRD results indicated mild molecular degradation but preserved semi-crystalline structures, demonstrating strong radiation tolerance. AFM analysis further revealed nanoscale surface modifications, providing insights into radiation-induced morphological changes and confirming the structural resilience of ABPBI-based nanocomposites. The results suggest that ABPBI/DWCNT exhibits promising mechanical integrity, thermal stability, and radiation resistance for space applications.
dc.description.sponsorshipThe South African National Research Foundation through the Thuthuka Fund [UID No. 138417].
dc.identifier.citationSquare, L., Oryema, B., Mafoko, P., Ellis, E., & Vorster, H. (2025). Comparative analysis of single-walled, double-walled, and multi-walled carbon nanotube-reinforced Poly(2,5-benzimidazole) composites: Enhanced structural and thermal stability for radiation shielding in low Earth Orbit. Radiation Physics and Chemistry, 112658.
dc.identifier.issn1879-0895
dc.identifier.urihttps://dir.muni.ac.ug/handle/20.500.12260/736
dc.language.isoen
dc.publisherElsevier
dc.subjectSingle-Walled Carbon Nanotubes
dc.subjectDouble-Walled Carbon Nanotubes
dc.subjectMulti-Walled Carbon Nanotubes
dc.subjectPoly 2
dc.subject5-benzimidazole
dc.subjectHe2+ Ion Bombardmen
dc.titleComparative analysis of single-walled, double-walled, and multi-walled carbon nanotube-reinforced Poly(2,5-benzimidazole) composites: Enhanced structural and thermal stability for radiation shielding in low Earth Orbit
dc.typeArticle

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