Synergistic effect of proton irradiation and strain on the mechanical properties of polyimide fibers

The damage behaviors of polyimide fiber after 150 keV proton irradiation and the synergistic effect of proton irradiation and strain were investigated. Changes in the mechanical properties, free radicals, element content, and element chemical state of the polyimide fiber before and after 150 keV proton irradiation were investigated. The results showed that the tensile strength and elongation at break of the material decreased significantly after proton irradiation. The synergistic effect of proton irradiation and strain weakened the reduction of mechanical properties caused by single proton irradiation. After proton irradiation and the combination of proton irradiation and strain, pyrolytic carbon free radicals were generated. According to XPS analysis, the proton-irradiated polyimide fiber underwent complex denitrification and deoxygenation reactions, and carbon enrichment appeared on the surface of the material.