Effect of Low Energy Electron Irradiation on Properties of Epoxy Resin

Volume resistivity，shore hardness，tensile strength and functional group structure of the epoxy resin were studied under the low energy electron irradiation. Electron energy was 30 keV, flux rate was 1×10¹¹ cm^-2 •s^-1, total flux was 1.6×10¹⁴ cm^-2 and vacuum degree was 10^-6 Pa. The mechanical properties and structure of epoxy resin materials before and after irradiation were characterized by national standards. Macroscopic physical properties of epoxy resin such as volume resistivity，shore hardness and tensile strength were decreased after electron irradiation. Fourier infrared spectrum showed that the main functional group strength of epoxy resin was reducing. The generated radicals such as•H,•OH were combined with the hydroxyl groups and hydrogen on the polymer molecule. The results should be potentially important for the utilizing of epoxy resin in radiation environment.