Speaker
Michael Eisterer
Description
The talk summarizes the results of the combined neutron and gamma irradiation studies on polymers performed for the development of the insulation system of the ITER PF coils. The ultimate tensile stress (UTS) and the interlaminar shear strength of epoxy raisins and cyanate ester based polymers were determined as a function of the neutron fluence or dose rate. The fatigue behaviour of the UTS was assessed as well. It was found that cyanate ester based polymers are much more robust against radiation than epoxy resins, but a blend of the two materials was decided to be the best compromise between the high radiation hardness of the cyanate esters and the easier handling of the epoxy resins during the impregnation process.
