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Oxidation and Protection of Fiberglass-Epoxy Composite Masts for Photovoltaic Arrays in the Low Earth Orbital Environment

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  21 February 2011

Sharon K. Rutledge ,
Phillip E. Paulsen ,
Joyce A. Brady  and
Michael L. Ciancone
Sharon K. Rutledge
Affiliation:
NASA Lewis Research Center, 21000 Brookpark Rd., Cleveland, OH 44135
Phillip E. Paulsen
Affiliation:
Cleveland State University, Euclid Ave. at E. 24th St., Cleveland, OH 44115
Joyce A. Brady
Affiliation:
Cleveland State University, Euclid Ave. at E. 24th St., Cleveland, OH 44115
Michael L. Ciancone
Affiliation:
NASA Lewis Research Center, 21000 Brookpark Rd., Cleveland, OH 44135
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Abstract

Fiberglass-epoxy composites have been considered for use as structural members for the mast of the Space Station solar array panel. The low Earth orbital environment in which Space Station is to operate is composed mainly of atomic oxygen, which has been shown to cause erosion of many organic materials and some metals. Ground based testing in a plasma asher was performed in order to determine the extent of degradation of fiberglass-epoxy composites when exposed to a simulated atomic oxygen environment. During exposure, the epoxy at the surface of the composite was oxidized, exposing individual glass fibers which could easily be removed. Several methods of protecting the composite were evaluated in an atomic oxygen environment and with thermal cycling and flexing: The protection techniques evaluated to date include an aluminum braid covering, an indium-tin eutectic and a silicone based paint. The open aluminum braid offered little protection while the CV-1144 coating offered some initial protection against atomic oxygen. The In-Sn eutectic coating provided initial protection against atomic oxygen, but appears to develop cracks which accelerate degradation by atomic oxygen when flexed. Coatings such as the In-Sn eutectic may provide adequate protection by containing the glass fibers even though mass loss still occurs.

Type
Research Article
Information
MRS Online Proceedings Library (OPL) , Volume 125: Symposium N – Materials Stability and Environmental Degradation , 1988 , 45
Copyright
Copyright © Materials Research Society 1988

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References

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