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Electrostatic Discharge Properties Of Irradiated Nanocomposites, Joshua D. Mcgary

Theses and Dissertations

Modernization in space systems requires employment of new light-weight, high performance composite materials that reduce bulk weight and increase structural integrity. This thesis explored the behavior of one such material prior to and following a 35-year simulated space radiation life-cycle. Select electrical properties of nickel nanostrand^TM-carbon composites in seven configurations were characterized prior to electron irradiation via surface and bulk resistivity measurements and contact electrostatic discharge (ESD) measurements. Following irradiation at a fluence of 10¹⁶ e^-/cm² at an average energy of 500 keV, measurements were repeated and compared against pre-irradiation data. Configuration D is …