Properties of polymers after cryogenic neutron irradiation

Organic matrix insulation has been specified for use in fusion reactor superconducting coils due to lower material and fabrication costs compared to other forms of insulation. Glass fabric filled resins are prime candidates since they provide not only electrical insulation, but also the mechanical strength necessary to withstand the high magnetic forces present during coil operation. Two epoxy- and two polyimide-based fiber reinforced materials were irradiated to neutron fluences of 4.1 x 1021 n/m2, E>0.1 MeV at 4.2 K. Post-irradiation testing included flexural (3 pt. bend), as well as DC conductivity and dielectric breakdown strength. Measurements were made at 77 K and 300 K. Flexural strength was observed to decrease for the epoxy-based materials while the polyimide-based materials exhibited essentially no change in strength. Both DC conductivity and dielectric breakdown strength revealed little or no pattern of degradation at all levels of radiation exposure. (orig.)