Visual Appearance of Polymeric Contamination.
Abstract
This paper presents a series of photomicrographs which shows the condensate that a selected group of polymers might have if they were present as spacecraft contaminants. Nine classes of polymeric materials were subjected to temperature and vacuum conditions, and, using microscopic techniques, the condensed effluents were observed. Outgassing data are presented for some materials in the form of weight loss. Photographic material is presented for seven classes; however, for the remaining two classes, the techniques appeared inapplicable. The concept that the appearance of condensate might be unique for each class of polymer is of limited value. The condensate pattern varied as a function of the temperature of the base material for all except one of the seven classes that were photographed. The similarity in the patterns of several classes of polymers makes identification of a particular species problematic.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 01, 1970
- Accession Number
- ADA309464
Entities
People
- Harold Shapiro
Organizations
- National Aeronautics and Space Administration