Space Environmental Effects on Polymeric Materials.
Abstract
Polymeric materials that may be exposed on spacecraft to the hostile environment beyond the earth's atmosphere have been subjected to atomic oxygen, electron bombardment, and ultraviolet radiation in terrestrial experiments. Atomic Oxygen: Evidence is presented for the utility of an inexpensive asher for determining the relative susceptibility of organic polymers to atomic oxygen. Kapton, Ultem, P1700 polysulfone, and m-CBB/BIS-A (a specially formulated polymer prepared at NASA-Langley) all eroded at high rates, just as was observed in shuttle experiments. Radiation: Films of Ultem, P1700 polysulfone, and m-CBB/BIS-A were irradiated with 85-keV electrons. The UV/VIS absorbance of Ultem was found to decay with time after irradiation indicating free radical decay. The tensile properties of Ultem began to change only after it had been exposed to 100 Mrads. The effects of dose rate, temperature, and simultaneous vs. sequential electron and UV irradiation were also studied.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 31, 1987
- Accession Number
- ADA300532
Entities
People
- Richard L. Kiefer
- Robert A. Orwoll