BEHAVIOR OF MATERIALS IN SPACE ENVIRONMENTS
Abstract
Quantitative effects of space environments upon engineering materials are discussed. Most metals will be unaffected by vacuum except for slight surface roughening. Among organics, polysulfides, cellulosics, acrylics, polyvinyl chloride, neoprene, and some nylons, polyesters, epoxys, polyurethanes, and alkyds break down at low temperatures in vacuum. Polyethylene, polypropylene, most fluorocarbons, and silicone resins do not decompose significantly in vacuum below 250 deg C. Except for plasticized materials, significant loss of engineering properties in vacuum is unlikely without appreciable accompanying sublimation or decomposition. Certain low vapor pressure oils and greases, tetrafluoroethylene, and thin films of MoS2, Au, and Ag can probably provide adequate lubrication. The particles of the Earth's radiation belts will cause radiation damage to organics and optical properties of inorganic insulators. Semiconductors affected by solar flare emissions.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Nov 01, 1961
- Accession Number
- AD0266548
Entities
People
- J. B. Rittenhouse
- L. D. Jaffe
Organizations
- California Institute of Technology