Stability of polymer composites with tungsten oxide against electron irradiation

Physicomechanical and thermal properties of polymer composites based on polyimide and tungsten oxide (WO$_3$) are presented. Computational and experimental methods are used to study stability of the composites irradiated with high-energy (0.5–5 MeV) electrons. Electron paths in the composites with different contents of the tungsten oxide are obtained for the energy interval under study. Experimental and calculated electron paths differ by $\pm$ 15%. Transmission coefficients with respect to a number of particles and energy are simulated versus thickness of the composite with optimal (60 w %) content of WO$_3$ for incidence of electrons at angles of $\varphi$ = 0 (normal incidence) and 45$^\circ$. It is shown that the composite can be used for protection against electron irradiation in space.