Protection of Polymeric Materials from Atomic Oxygen

Abstract

The erosion of polymers and polymer-based materials (such as composites and paints) due to atomic oxygen (AO) present in the low Earth orbit (LEO) environment is described. Since many polymers are used extensively to fabricate spacecraft structures and components, a method of protecting them from AO erosion was developed. This process involves surface activation of the polymer by UV radiation and subsequent silylation treatment to produce an outer layer (not a coating) of silicon-dioxide based material. Experiments conducted in the UTIAS AO beam facility provide comparative test data for a wide range of polymers, including composites and polyurethane paints. A predictive model is also presented for estimating the AO erosion rates for hydrocarbon polymers based on their polymer repeat unit structure.