Metal-organic framework nanoparticles as a free radical scavenger improving the stability of epoxy under high dose gamma irradiation

Understanding the degradation mechanism of epoxy resin under irradiation and enhancing the radiation resistance of epoxy resin are of great significance for its application in aerospace and nuclear industries. In this study, we investigated the radiation resistance of epoxy reinforced by UIO-66-OH metal-organic framework. Outstanding radiation resistance was achieved by using UIO-66-OH nanoparticles as radical scavengers to retard epoxy degradation. The introduction of UIO-66-OH reduces the content of free radicals generated after irradiation by 88.17%. UIO-66-OH also improves the mechanical and thermal properties of epoxy before and after irradiation. The scavenging radicals mechanism of hydrogen atom transfer of UIO-66-OH is more dominant than that of graphene oxide and carbon nanotubes. The radiation resistance of UIO-66-OH nanoparticles is related to hydroxyl functionalization and porous structure. This work provides a new idea and method for improving the stability of epoxy resin under gamma ray radiation.