Title: RADIATION-DRIVEN AGEING OF POLYMER COMPOSITES: A LIFE-SPAN PREDICTION STUDY

Authors: Mamta Mainak Saiyad, Nimish Shah

DOI: https://doi.org/10.33599/GL.2026.INCOMAT.TP26-0001

Abstract: When a product enters service, the ability to estimate its lifetime or failure rate becomes a powerful advantage. For polymer composite components, this demands testing under conditions that closely resemble the actual environment in which they will operate. In radiation-exposed applications, particularly long-duration space missions, materials are often expected to remain functional for 20 to 30 years. Polymer composites, however, contain reactive intermediates such as free radicals that can trigger chemical transformations when exposed to ionizing radiation. These reactions may lead to chain scission or cross-linking, gradually weakening the material and potentially causing premature failure. To understand such behavior, decomposition studies are essential, as they provide insight into how the developed materials respond under radiation and how their structural integrity evolves over time. Reliable lifetime prediction depends strongly on the testing approach, the composite’s composition and geometry, and the influence of its processing history. Each of these factors can alter degradation pathways and the overall durability of the material. In this work, a thermal decomposition method is discussed as a tool for predicting the lifespan of polymer composites. By analysing their degradation patterns under controlled thermal conditions, it becomes possible to infer long-term stability and estimate how these materials are likely to perform in radiation-dominated environments.

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Conference: INCOMAT 2026

Publication Date: 2026/03/13

SKU: INCOMAT.TP26-0001

Pages: 13

Price: $26.00