Accession Number:

ADA516937

Title:

Changes to Electrical Conductivity in Irradiated Carbon-Nickel Nanocomposites

Descriptive Note:

Master's Thesis

Corporate Author:

AIR FORCE INST OF TECH WRIGHT-PATTERSON AFB OH SCHOOL OF ENGINEERING AND MANAGEMENT

Personal Author(s):

• Coy, David F.

Report Date:

2010-03-01

Pagination or Media Count:

100.0

Abstract:

Pre and post irradiation resistivity and XAFS measurements have been conducted to examine the effects of 0.5 MeV electron irradiation on nickel-carbon composites. Results showed a decrease in surface resistivity following irradiation and a corresponding decrease in NiO content for the irradiated samples as compared to pre-irradiation measurements and non-irradiated samples. Surface resistivity measurement capabilities were established and measurement techniques refined to produce repeatable results of sufficient precision to discern changes in resistivity for fluence levels of 2 x 10-16 cm-2 and greater. Measured changes in surface resistivity were found to be consistent with studies on the radiation effects on electrical properties of polymers similar to the epoxies used in fabricating the composites studied here. The materials examined showed changes of 30 or less following irradiation with 0.5 MeV electrons to a total electron fluence of to 4 x 1016 cm-2. The data showed no discernable link between irradiation changes to surface resistivity and epoxy type used.

Descriptors:

• *ELECTRICAL CONDUCTIVITY
• *NICKEL
• *CARBON
• RESISTANCE
• EPOXY COMPOUNDS
• ELECTRICAL PROPERTIES
• RADIATION EFFECTS
• MEASUREMENT
• REPRODUCIBILITY
• IRRADIATION
• POLYMERS
• METHODOLOGY
• ELECTRONS

Subject Categories:

• Inorganic Chemistry
• Laminates and Composite Materials
• Electricity and Magnetism

Distribution Statement:

APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE