The performance characterization of carbon fiber–reinforced plastic for space applications

Abstract

In this paper, the excellent dimensional stability and vacuum outgassing of high-performance carbon fiber–reinforced plastic (CFRP) were discussed. First, the high-performance resin matrix was obtained by modifying cyanate resin, and the modified cyanate ester was used to make prepreg and laminates. Then, the mechanical property retention rate of laminates reached 90.79% under proton and electron irradiation. The average values of total mass loss and collected volatile condensable material of high-performance CFRP were 0.116% and 0.008%, respectively. Finally, the candidate tube and frame were fabricated based on the ply lay-up design. The candidate tube and frame were subjected to a series of experiments of thermal deformation and hygroscopic deformation to verify the dimensional stability. The thermal deformations of the tube and frame reached 0.468 μm/m and 4.579 μm/m, respectively, with a temperature variation of 4°C. The measured hygroscopic deformation of the tube reached 8.16 μm/m in nearly 3 months. The experimental results show that the high-performance CFRP can be used for precision optical structures of space telescopes.

Precision finishing of nickel-phosphorus plated carbon fibre reinforced polymer

“…However, high optical performance can be obtained with these materials, but there is scope for improving the weight reduction of mirrors. 1 In order to have a completely different material that can match the optical performance of glass and ceramic mirrors and at the same time be ultra-lightweight, work is being carried out by different researchers and industries to explore such materials. Carbon fibre reinforced polymer (CFRP) is a lightweight composite material made up of carbon fibre (CF) and resin that offers an alternative to ceramic and glass mirrors.…”

Precision and Dimensional Stability of Bonded Joints of Carbon-Fibre-Reinforced Polymers Parts

“…In other cases, it may be necessary to consider outgassing parameters, which is currently a complex topic with limited knowledge in the context of composites [8]. However, some papers suggest that CFRP could find applications in space and cleanroom environments [9]. If these issues can be resolved, composite materials could offer numerous advantages for optical devices, namely, weight savings, better vibration damping, and improved dimensional stability.…”