Effect of the γ-radiation on the properties of epoxy-based shape memory polymers

In this article, the epoxy-based shape memory polymers were exposed to simulated γ-radiation environments up to 140 days for an accelerated irradiation. The influence of γ-radiation on thermal and mechanical properties was evaluated by differential scanning calorimetry, dynamic mechanical analysis, and tensile test. The glass transition temperatures (Tg) determined by differential scanning calorimetry and dynamic mechanical analysis decreased no more than 10%, and the shape recovery speed became a little faster after γ-radiation of 1 × 105 Gy. The tensile strength and elastic modulus could, respectively, maintain 26 MPa and 1.36 GPa after being irradiated by 1 × 106 Gy radiation, showing great potential in aerospace structural materials.