The Thermo-Mechanical Properties of Carbon-Fiber-Reinforced Polymer Composites Exposed to a Low Earth Orbit Environment

Abstract

In this study, we focus on 3D-printed PEEK/CFRTP (Carbon-Fiber-Reinforced Thermoplastic) and PEEK (Polyether Ether Ketone) materials as new space materials. In space, there are intense ultraviolet (UV) rays that are weakened by the atmosphere on Earth, so it is essential to understand the degradation of materials due to UV rays in advance. Therefore, we developed a materials science experiment called the Material Mission, which will be carried out on board Ten-Koh 2. This mission measures the coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) of the CFRTP samples and the PEEK samples in LEO without recovery. So, we developed a thermal expansion observation system to be installed on the Ten-Koh 2 satellite. In addition, UV irradiation tests simulating the UV environment in LEO were conducted as ground tests. From the results of the ground tests, it was possible to determine in advance the degree of degradation of each material in the UV environment, even up to 100 ESD. By utilizing these results in mission operations, more meaningful measurement results can be obtained, and this mission development can contribute greatly to developing new space materials in the future.