CHEMICAL RIGIDIZATION OF EXPANDABLE STRUCTURES.
Abstract
The objective of this program was to develop a chemical rigidization process that could be activated by an on-command mechanism and be capable of rigidizing expandable solar collectors in a simulated aerospace environment. Six two-foot and three ten-foot diameter solar collectors were fabricated and rigidized in the high vacuum facilities atWright-Patterson AFB, Ohio and were delivered to the Air Force. A fail-safe chemical rigidization system was developed that could be incorporated in a preformed, flexible, polyurethane foam and rigidized by an on-command polymerization initiation. The initiation is accomplished by the introduction of a catalyst which is stored in either microcapsules or an aerosol container. Release is obtained by heat or pressure rupture of the capsules or by spraying the catalyst from the aerosol container. The rigidization reaction, a free-radical polymerization, is a self-propagating reaction, once initiated, in which the rigidization rate can be controlled. Rigidization times for ten foot diameter collectors have been varied from fifteen minutes to two hours. The chemical system, a vinyl-type monomer, has exhibited a sustained shelf-life, under ambient conditions, of approximately eight months without premature curing or adverse effects on the total system. The system has also shown high vacuum stability for periods of three to four hours.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 01, 1966
- Accession Number
- AD0484442
Entities
People
- J. C. Scott
- J. F. Hanny
- J. W. Jones
- L. R. Lankston
Organizations
- NCR Corporation