6–10 Jul 2026
University of the Western Cape
Africa/Johannesburg timezone
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Experimental investigation of MoS2, Ti3C2, and graphene-based composites for low Earth orbit applications

8 Jul 2026, 16:20
1h 20m
Great Hall ( University of the Western Cape)

Great Hall

University of the Western Cape

Poster Presentation Track A - Physics of Condensed Matter and Materials Poster Session 2

Speaker

Nico Snyman

Description

The Low Earth Orbit (LEO) environment presents a tough challenge for materials, exposing them to atomic oxygen, ultraviolet radiation, thermal cycling, and high vacuum conditions. These harsh conditions can wear down traditional spacecraft material (Finckenor, 2018; Grossman & Gouzman, 2003). As a result, there has been a growing interest in lightweight, functional alternatives, especially polymer nanocomposites that offer better resistance to these environmental factors.
This study focuses on poly(2,5-benzimidazole) (ABPBI) and graphene oxide (GO), molybdenum disulphide (MoS₂) and Ti₃C₂ MXene ABPBI composites. The specific focus of this work is the mechanical response of these composites under conditions relevant to LEO.
This study considers experimental techniques to evaluate and compare the mechanical behaviour of the composites. Tensile testing is performed to determine key properties such as stiffness, strength, and elongation, enabling direct comparison between the different nanofiller systems.
The results highlight the influence of nanofiller type on the mechanical performance of ABPBI-based composites and provide insight into their suitability for use in demanding space environments.

References
Finckenor, M. M., 2018. Materials for Spacecraft, s.l.: American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics.
Grossman, E. & Gouzman, I., 2003. Space environment effects on polymers in low earth orbit. Nuclear Instruments and Methods in Physics Research Section B: Beam Interactions with Materials and Atoms, Volume 208, pp. 48-57.

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Author

Co-authors

Cecil Botchway (Laboratory for Applied Molecular Modelling, Research Focus Area: Chemical Resource Beneficiation, North-West University, 11 Hofmann Street, Potchefstroom, 2531, South Africa) Kingsley Onyebuchi Obodo (University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg) Lynndle Square (Centre for Space Research, North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, Potchefstroom, 2531, South Africa)

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