Nanoscale structures with GO “armor” for protecting mechanical properties of EP in cryogenic irradiation environments

A radiation-resistant nanocomposite exhibiting robust mechanical performance at cryogenic temperatures is developed based on a one-dimensional–two-dimensional (1D–2D) hybrid architecture, designated CPN-CuO-NGO. This material integrates cyclodextrin polymer (CPN)-functionalized CuO nanorods firmly anchored on amino-functionalized graphene oxide (NGO), with the NGO sheets serving as protective layers that shield the nanorods from environmental degradation. When incorporated into epoxy resin (EP), the CPN-CuO-NGO hybrid markedly enhances the composite's stability under combined γ-irradiation and cryogenic exposure. The π-conjugated sp² domains of NGO efficiently scavenge irradiation-induced peroxide radicals, achieving a radical scavenging efficiency of 46.3 %. After exposure to 800 kGy γ-irradiation, the EP/CPN-CuO-NGO composite retains 93.0 % of its original tensile strength at 77 K, with an absolute tensile strength of 115.85 MPa—substantially higher than that of neat EP under identical conditions. This work provides a rational design strategy for multifunctional nanocomposites that simultaneously withstand intense ionizing radiation, cryogenic temperatures, and mechanical stress, offering promising material solutions for aerospace and nuclear applications operating in extreme environments.