LEO resistant PI-B-PDMS block copolymer films for solar array applications
conference paper
Due to their low atomic oxygen erosion yields PI-b-PDMS block copolymer films have considerable potential for application onto space exposed surfaces of satellites in low earth orbit. On solar arrays these materials might be used as electrical electrical insulation film, flexprint outer layer, electrical wire wrapping, adhesive tape and/or metallised thermal control film. In this study PI-b-PDMS block copolymers with 8 and 15% PDMS were synthesized and films were cast and successfully used for the production of front side skin, solar panel and flexprint sheet samples using standard production methods. Surface analysis studies showed the presence of a siloxane-enriched surface layer. After a 1000esh UV exposure test most samples showed only minor changes of properties. Copyright © 2013 European Space Agency.
Topics
TNO Identifier
488282
ISSN
03796566
Source title
12th International Symposium on Materials in the Space Environment, ISMSE 2012, 24 September 2012 through 28 September 2012, Noordwijk
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