Space Environment Effect on Fluorinated Polymers

2003 ◽  
Vol 792 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. Chipara ◽  
D. L. Edwards ◽  
J. Zaleski ◽  
B. Hoang ◽  
B. Przewoski ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Atomic Oxygen ◽  
Low Earth Orbit ◽  
Space Environment ◽  
Fluorinated Polymers ◽  
Space Applications ◽  
Environment Effect ◽  
Low Altitude ◽  
Low Earth Orbits ◽  
Degradation Of Materials ◽  
Earth Orbits

ABSTRACTThe effects of the space environment on polytetrafluorethylene and some fluorinated polymers, copolymers, and blends are critically reviewed. It is shown that in low altitude orbits such as Low Earth Orbit and Geostationary Orbit the presence of both ionizing radiation and atomic oxygen triggers a synergetic degradation of materials based on fluorinated polymers. The behavior is due to the lability of the in-chain alkyl radical to oxygen attack. It is concluded that fluorinated polymers should not be used as materials for space applications, as long as the mission implies low Earth orbits.

scholarly journals Influence of POSS Type on the Space Environment Durability of Epoxy-POSS Nanocomposites

Nanomaterials ◽  
2022 ◽  
Vol 12 (2) ◽  
pp. 257
Author(s):  
Avraham I. Bram ◽  
Irina Gouzman ◽  
Asaf Bolker ◽  
Nurit Atar ◽  
Noam Eliaz ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Photoelectron Spectroscopy ◽  
Atomic Oxygen ◽  
Low Earth Orbit ◽  
Space Environment ◽  
Space Applications ◽  
Polymer Backbone ◽  
X Ray ◽  
Total Mass Loss ◽  
Oligomeric Silsesquioxane ◽  
Potential Use

In order to use polymers at low Earth orbit (LEO) environment, they must be protected against atomic oxygen (AO) erosion. A promising protection strategy is to incorporate polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (POSS) molecules into the polymer backbone. In this study, the space durability of epoxy-POSS (EPOSS) nanocomposites was investigated. Two types of POSS molecules were incorporated separately—amine-based and epoxy-based. The outgassing properties of the EPOSS, in terms of total mass loss, collected volatile condensable material, and water vapor regain were measured as a function of POSS type and content. The AO durability was studied using a ground-based AO simulation system. Surface compositions of EPOSS were studied using high-resolution scanning electron microscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. It was found that with respect to the outgassing properties, only some of the EPOSS compositions were suitable for the ultrahigh vacuum space environment, and that the POSS type and content had a strong effect on their outgassing properties. Regardless of the POSS type being used, the AO durability improved significantly. This improvement is attributed to the formation of a self-passivated AO durable SiO2 layer, and demonstrates the potential use of EPOSS as a qualified nanocomposite for space applications.

scholarly journals The Effect of Low Earth Orbit Atomic Oxygen Exposure on Phenylphosphine Oxide-Containing Polymers

2000 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
pp. 43-52 ◽  
Author(s):  
John W Connell
Keyword(s):  
Thin Film ◽  
Atomic Oxygen ◽  
Low Earth Orbit ◽  
Space Environment ◽  
Earth Orbit ◽  
Cooperative Effort ◽  
Flight Experiment ◽  
Oxygen Exposure ◽  
Atomic Oxygen Exposure ◽  
Phenylphosphine Oxide

Thin films of phenylphosphine oxide-containing polymers were exposed to low Earth orbit aboard a space shuttle flight (STS-85) as part of flight experiment designated Evaluation of Space Environment and Effects on Materials (ESEM). This flight experiment was a cooperative effort between the NASA Langley Research Center (LaRC) and the National Space Development Agency of Japan (NASDA). The thin-film samples described herein were part of an atomic oxygen exposure (AOE) experiment and were exposed to primarily atomic oxygen (∼1×1019 atoms cm−2). The thin-film samples consisted of three phosphine oxide-containing polymers (arylene ether, benzimidazole and imide). Based on post-flight analyses using atomic force microscopy, x-ray photo-electron spectroscopy and weight loss data, it was found that the exposure of these materials to atomic oxygen (AO) produces a phosphorus oxide layer on the surface of the samples. Earlier work has shown that this layer provides a barrier towards further attack by AO. Consequently, these materials do not exhibit linear erosion rates which is in contrast with most organic polymers. Qualitatively, the results obtained from these analyses compare favourably with those obtained from samples exposed to AO and/or an oxygen plasma in ground-based exposure experiments. The results of the low Earth orbit AO exposure on these materials will be compared with those of ground-based exposure to AO.

Mechanistic Studies of Atomic Oxygen Reactions with Polymers and Combined Effects with Vacuum Ultraviolet Light

MRS Bulletin ◽  
2010 ◽  
Vol 35 (1) ◽  
pp. 35-40 ◽  
Author(s):  
Masahito Tagawa ◽  
Timothy K. Minton
Keyword(s):  
Atomic Oxygen ◽  
Vacuum Ultraviolet ◽  
Uv Light ◽  
Synergistic Effects ◽  
Low Earth Orbit ◽  
Point Of View ◽  
Experimental Results ◽  
Space Environment ◽  
Combined Effects ◽  
The Individual

AbstractThis article focuses on mechanistic aspects of hyperthermal atomic oxygen reactions with polymers, which are the major contributor to material degradation in low Earth orbit. Due to the importance of well-controlled experiments in the understanding of the reaction mechanisms, ground-based experimental results obtained by a hyperthermal atomic oxygen beam generated by laser detonation facilities are mainly surveyed. Combined effects of atomic oxygen and vacuum ultraviolet (VUV) light on fluorinated polymers are also described. Such combined effects of hyperthermal atomic oxygen and VUV light are important not only from a fundamental point of view but also for engineering purposes (i.e., methodology for ground-based space environmental simulation). The VUV-sensitive polymers, poly(methyl methacrylate), and Teflon fluorinated ethylene-propylene do not show significant synergistic effects. Instead, the effect of combining atomic oxygen and VUV light produces erosion of the polymer that is the sum of the erosion caused by atomic oxygen and UV light acting individually. The experimental results suggest that material erosion in a complicated space environment may be quantitatively predicted if the erosion yields caused by the individual action of atomic oxygen and VUV light are known.

scholarly journals Erosion on Polyimide and Fluorinated Polymers in Combined Low Earth Orbit Space Environment

2005 ◽  
Vol 31 (5) ◽  
pp. 318-323 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kumiko YOKOTA ◽  
Kohei IKEDA ◽  
Masahito TAGAWA ◽  
Akio OKAMOTO
Keyword(s):  
Orbit Space ◽  
Low Earth Orbit ◽  
Space Environment ◽  
Earth Orbit ◽  
Fluorinated Polymers

Changes in Tribological Properties of MoS2 Film Exposed to LEO on SM/SEED

2005 ◽  
Author(s):  
Koji Matsumoto ◽  
Masao Akiyama ◽  
Masahito Tagawa ◽  
Kichiro Imagawa
Keyword(s):  
Atomic Oxygen ◽  
Space Station ◽  
Experimental System ◽  
Low Earth Orbit ◽  
Space Environment ◽  
Ultraviolet Rays ◽  
Low Friction ◽  
Environment Exposure ◽  
Mos2 Film ◽  
One Year

Service Module / Space Environment Exposure Device (SM/SEED) is experimental system aboard International Space Station (ISS) to evaluate the degradation of various materials for space application under the Low Earth orbit (LEO) space environment. Three sets of exposure pallets of SM/SEED with the same samples have been exposed to LEO since October 2001. One of the pallets returned to Earth after about one-year exposure. A bonded molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) film was also exposed as a tested material of SM/SEED. The changes in tribological characteristics of the film were examined. And effects of ground-based irradiation with LEO environmental factors (e.g., Atomic Oxygen (AO) and Ultraviolet rays (UV)) were also evaluated. At the beginning of the test, low friction coefficient was observed both in the flight and the AO-irradiated samples. MoO3 was detected from the surface of these samples. A large amount of SiO2 was recognized from the flight sample.

Security issues in space-based operations: the need to control the orbit´s overpopulation to ensure a safe access and use of space

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pablo Rodriguez Llorca
Keyword(s):  
Low Earth Orbit ◽  
Minimum Size ◽  
Population Increase ◽  
Economic Losses ◽  
Private Company ◽  
Space Applications ◽  
Final Disposal ◽  
Small Satellites ◽  
The Earth ◽  
Low Earth Orbits

<p>The development of the technology used for space applications, along with the decreasing investment that is needed, has fostered the inclusion of new actors in the space business in what is known as the “New Space”. The number of participants in the market is growing exceptionally fast and one finds a poor, if any, regulation for very complex activities in space that might produce irreversible effects if all their phases, from the design to the final disposal and including several potential contingencies, are not considered and do not follow a set of rules.</p><p>Overpopulation of the common orbits, especially in low Earth orbits, increases the probability of collisions between satellites which, were it to happen, would pollute the orbit with small sized fragmentation debris. The cloud of fragmented parts becomes a hazard for other satellites sharing the same or nearby orbits, forcing to perform more collision avoidance manoeuvres. This situation arises new problems. On the one hand, there is an increasing number of small satellites (i.e. cubesats) with no capability to manoeuvre. Their propulsion system might not be able to react early enough as to avoid a potential collision. With the satellites population continuously growing, the situation is getting worse. On the other hand, the debris tracking systems can trace particles down to a minimum size, but smaller pieces cannot be monitored. These ones might result in the total loss of the spacecraft if a collision were to occur and their population increase needs to be avoided. Polluting the orbits increases the risk of economic losses, because a satellite could be totally damaged, but also because the orbit might become inaccessible for other users and their business could not be developed. Last but not least, there is a fundamental interest in certain orbits for Earth’s resources and environment monitoring, and a safe continuation of such activities must be ensured, as they represent a need for our civilisation.</p><p>The satellite traffic needs to be regulated and the final disposal activities ensured. Small satellites in low Earth orbit are likely to disintegrate during the re-entry in the atmosphere, although some parts, especially in bigger spacecraft, can reach the surface of the Earth. The probability of causing any damage is very low, but the growing number of satellites increases the chances of satellite residues producing damages. The disposal requires a reliable technology that performs the deorbit in a controlled way, and over a region of the Earth with minimum possibility of causing any damage. Higher orbits have designed disposal orbits were non-operational spacecraft are being stored, and that should also follow a regulation in order to avoid future problems.</p><p>This talk describes the problematics that are associated with the operations of the space market in different orbits and the need of a set of rules that any actor, regardless of being a space agency or a private company, is required to follow.</p>

Moscow State University Activities on Research of Space Environment Effect on Materials

2004 ◽  
Vol 851 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lev S. Novikov
Keyword(s):  
Nuclear Physics ◽  
Atomic Oxygen ◽  
Space Environment ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Surface Erosion ◽  
State University ◽  
Environment Effect ◽  
Spacecraft Charging ◽  
Skobeltsyn Institute ◽  
Moscow State University

ABSTRACTMain areas of Skobeltsyn Institute of Nuclear Physics Moscow State University activities in study of space environment effect on materials are following: effect of space radiation on spacecraft materials and equipment elements, spacecraft charging in space plasma in various orbits, influence of atomic oxygen flux on materials in LEO, surface erosion and destruction under impact of micrometeoroids and small particles of space debris.The methods of computer and laboratory modeling used are described. Results of the researches are presented, as far as some experiments onboard the MIR station and ISS are described. Principle problems for contemporary and future research are proposed for discussion. Principle problems for contemporary and future research are proposed for discussion.

Nonlinear Phenomena in the Mass Loss of Polyimide Films under Hyperthermal Atomic Oxygen Beam Exposure

2001 ◽  
Vol 13 (4) ◽  
pp. 225-234 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hiroshi Kinoshita ◽  
Masahito Tagawa ◽  
Kumiko Yokota ◽  
Nobuo Ohmae
Keyword(s):  
Mass Loss ◽  
Atomic Oxygen ◽  
Large Fraction ◽  
Orbit Space ◽  
Mass Gain ◽  
Polyimide Film ◽  
Low Earth Orbit ◽  
Space Environment ◽  
Nonlinear Phenomena ◽  
Abstraction Reaction

Erosion phenomenon of polyimide film under the hyperthermal atomic oxygen beam exposure, which is a simulated low Earth orbit space environment, has been investigated. The polyimide film was spin-coated on a sensor crystal of a quartz crystal microbalance, and the mass of the film was measured under the atomic oxygen beam exposure. The spin-coated polyimide film which was exposed to a 4.7 eV atomic oxygen beam showed a mass gain at the beginning of the reaction and then steady-state mass loss followed. The experimental results of the mass change was analysed by the computational model, and the results showed that the carbon abstraction rate at the oxygen-adsorbed sites was two orders higher than that at the unoxidized polyimide surface. The computational results suggested that a large fraction of the carbon abstraction reaction occurred in the oxygen-adsorbed site through a Langmuir–Hinshelwood reaction mechanism.

scholarly journals Effect of simultaneous N2 collisions on atomic oxygen-induced polyimide erosion in sub-low Earth orbit: comparison of laboratory and SLATS data

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kumiko Yokota ◽  
Masahito Tagawa ◽  
Yusuke Fujimoto ◽  
Wataru Ide ◽  
Yugo Kimoto ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Atomic Oxygen ◽  
Collision Energy ◽  
Space Shuttle ◽  
Space Station ◽  
Low Earth Orbit ◽  
Experimental Results ◽  
Earth Orbit ◽  
Material Erosion ◽  
Low Altitude

AbstractThe role of N2 in the upper atmosphere on the atomic oxygen (AO)-induced erosion of polyimide in low Earth orbit (LEO) and sub-LEO is investigated through ground-based experiments and flight data. The experiment is performed by adding an Ar beam at the same collision energy as an undecomposed O2 component in the AO beam formed by laser detonation to simulate the physical effect of simultaneous N2 collision in sub-LEO. The Ar beam is added by the dual-pulsed supersonic valve-equipped laser-detonation system developed at Kobe University. The experimental results indicate that the erosion of polyimide in the laser-detonation system is promoted by the presence of O2 and Ar in the beam, corresponding to N2 in the sub-LEO. On-ground experimental results are compared with in-orbit AO measurements. Previous space shuttle, international space station-based exposure experiments, as well as the world’s first real-time sub-LEO material erosion data aboard a super low altitude test satellite (SLATS) orbiting at an altitude of 216.8 km are presented. The SLATS data suggests the presence of an acceleration effect by N2 collision on AO-induced polyimide erosion, as predicted by ground-based experiments.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document