Self-Healing Multilayer Composites and Nanocomposites for Space Applications: a Study on Damage Recovery Performance after Simulated Space Radiation Exposure

In recent decades, the possibility of integrating self-healing materials into inflatable and deployable space structures has drawn the attention of the scientific community. This solution would make human activity in space safer and increase spacecraft operational life and autonomy. Nevertheless, the action of space environment may deteriorate these materials. The presented work analyzes the autonomous repair ability of candidate self-healing polymers, used as nanocomposite matrices or coupled with an elastomer or aramid fabric into a multilayer. Self-healing is evaluated through in-situ flow rate measurements after puncture damage. In the multilayer case, the tests are then repeated on gamma-ray irradiated samples to study the variation of self-repairing and functional properties after exposure to simulated space radiation. Results show higher repair ability in systems with lower viscous response, and decreased healing performance in the irradiated samples, hence requiring a further analysis of the effects of space environment on the presented materials.