Demonstration and challenges for joining technology based on direct bonding usable for construction of (large) structures in space

ct A direct bonding process relying on van der Waals forces offers an ideal combination of easiness to assemble and material compatibility. Such a bonding procedure, also denoted as optical bonding, is already known and used frequently in different applications. However, there are strict requirements to achieve optical bonding: (1) a high level...

LEO resistant PI-B-PDMS block copolymer films for solar array applications

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...

Degradation mechanism of silicone glues under UV irradiation and options for designing materials with increased stability

The degradation of silicone glues used, for example, in the assembly of solar modules for use in space, has been investigated and possible mechanisms which lead to colouration and possible embrittlement are analysed. Both effects are connected to the generation of radicals upon exposure to UV irradiation. As a follow up-reaction in vacuum, cross...

Accelerated testing of thermal control coatings using synchrotron radiation and evaluation of materials performance

Accelerated testing of white thermal control coatings was performed using the high intensity UV radiation generated by a synchrotron and resulting in a substantial shortening of test times. The origin of coloration of metal oxides upon UV irradiation has been identified to be most likely a generation of oxygen vacancies connected with the...

Development of flexible LEO-resistant PI films for space applications using a self-healing mechanism by surface-directed phase separation of block copolymers

Polimide-block-polydimethylsiloxane (PI-b-PDMS) block copolymers have been synthesized from commercially available amino-terminated polysiloxanes with different molecular weights, for use as polymeric materials resistant to the low earth orbit (LEO) space environment. A structural optimization with respect to maximum environmental protection has...