Thermal Control Coatings for High Thermal Conductivity (K) Substrates
Abstract
This program demonstrated and qualified the production and application of plasma sprayed thermal control oxide coatings onto high thermal conductivity substrates for spacecraft use. Ultrahigh purity oxide powders were successfully reproduced and transitioned to industry. Both an ultrahigh purity aluminum oxide (99.99%) and 86wt % aluminum oxide, 13 wt % zirconium oxide, 1 wt % yttrium oxide were produced. Plasma coatings were successfully applied to three substrates; K1100 graphite/carbon-carbon, K1100 graphite/cyanate ester, and 6061. The application of the ultrahigh purity oxide powders was optimized for minimum solar absorptance and for reproduciblity. Standard Operating Procedures were prepared for plasma powder production and for plasma spray application. Beginning of life solar absorptance values of 0.14 to 0.19 were obtained by using blended oxide powders from multiple vendors. End of life solar absorptance values of .30 to .31 at 1000 ESH were obtained. A beginning of life solar absorptance value of 0.10 was obtained for the ultrahigh purity aluminum oxide. End of life solar absorptance values of 0.21 to 0.23 at 1000 ESH were obtained. Normal emittance values for the ultrahigh purity aluminum oxide was 0.833 and 0.829 for the blended oxide powders.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 1999
- Accession Number
- ADA371604
Entities
People
- C. K. Reed
- J. M. Wright
Organizations
- Vought