Radiation-Hardened Photopolymer Materials for Space Service: Chemistry, Shielding, Dose History and Property Retention

Radiation hardening of photopolymer materials requires more than exposing a cured coupon to one source and reporting retained strength. Ionising radiation can drive chain scission, crosslinking and oxidation, while ultraviolet exposure can alter surface chemistry and optics. The relevant outcome depends on mission spectrum, shielding, temperature, oxygen availability and dose history. This review defines a qualification framework for photocured networks and composites intended for space service, separating radiation shielding from radiation resistance and requiring property retention to be linked to a specified material state and exposure history. ER-446.