Protecting Polymers in Space with Atomic Layer Deposition Coatings

Abstract

Polymers in space may be subjected to a barrage of incident atoms, photons, and/or ions. Atomic layer deposition (ALD) techniques can produce films that mitigate many of the current challenges for space polymers. We have studied the efficacy of various ALD coatings to protect Kapton polyimide, FEP Teflon, and poly(methyl methacrylate) films from atomic-oxygen and vacuum ultraviolet (VUV) attack. Atomic-oxygen and VUV studies were conducted with the use of a laser-detonation source for hyperthermal O atoms and a D2 lamp as a source of VUV light. These studies used a quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) to monitor mass loss in situ, as well as surface profilometry and scanning electron microscopy to study the surface recession and morphology changes ex situ. Al2O3 ALD coatings protected the underlying substrates from atomic-oxygen attack, and the addition of TiO2 coatings protected the substrates from VUV-induced damage. The results indicate that ALD coatings can simultaneously protect polymers from oxygen-atom erosion and VUV radiation damage.

Evolution of surface chemistry and morphology of hyperbranched polysiloxane polyimides in simulated atomic oxygen environment

“…As a consequence, most organic materials onboard spacecrafts and artificial satellites may be rapidly eroded away due to the damage created by those aggressive environmental factors in LEO, especially the AO [5,6]. In LEO, AO may collide with spacecraft surfaces at a high relative velocity of approximately 7-8 km/s, which imparts the equivalent of 4.5-6 eV of translational energy (TE) to AO, thereby causing erosion called AO attack [7][8][9].…”

Atomic Layer Deposited MoS 2 as a Carbon and Binder Free Anode in Li-ion Battery

“…Surface bound self-limiting growth with precise thickness control ensures the applicability of ALD in variety of applications [18][19][20][21]. Though the application of ALD in electrochemical storage is overwhelming, but till now the use is mostly limited to the protection layer to enhance the electrochemical performance of the electrode [22][23][24][25][26][27].…”

Hybrid nanomaterials through molecular and atomic layer deposition: Top down, bottom up, and in-between approaches to new materials

“…An interesting set of experiments were conducted using Teflon, Kapton, and PMMA in an attempt to imitate and prevent mass loss and erosion due to exposure to the harsh conditions experienced by polymers in low-earth orbit 139 . It was shown that by coating the samples with thin-films of Al 2 O 3 , TiO 2 , or combinations of both that the polymer could be protected from erosion when exposed to atomic oxygen.…”