RADIATION-DEGRADATION STUDIES OF THE MECHANICAL-PROPERTIES OF POLYMER MATRIX COMPOSITES USED IN FUSION MAGNETS

When polymer matrix composites are used in superconducting magnets for fusion reactors, one of the most serious concerns is their resistance to changes in mechanical and electrical properties upon simultaneous irradiation with neutrons and gamma-rays at 4.2 K. This chapter mainly describes the mechanical properties of polymer matrix composites tested at 77 K, 4.2 K, and at room temperature after Co-60 gamma-ray and neutron irradiations at room temperature and at 5 K. Based on the degradation behavior, the mechanisms underlying the irradiation effects on polymer matrix composites are discussed with respect to factors such as composite type, test temperature, radiation type, and irradiation temperature.