Radiation effects on Kevlar fibers through high energy electron beam

The Kevlar fibers were irradiated at up to 2500 kGy using a 10 MeV electron accelerator. The effects of radiation on the Kevlar fibers were evaluated in detail. The main structure, crystal structure, and thermal transition temperature of the fibers remained unchanged after electron beam radiation. The mechanical properties of the fibers decreased significantly when the absorbed dose reached 2000 kGy. In addition, viscosity tests revealed that electron beam radiation could damage the long polymer chains of the fibers. The FTIR results showed that the intensity of the C-N bond decreased depending on the absorbed dose, indicating that C-N bonds may be the degradation site of Kevlar fibers. This work provides a comprehensive radiation resistance evaluation for Kevlar fibers and thus offers some fundamental data for the application of Kevlar fibers in extreme environments.