Synergistic effect of simulated hypervelocity space debris and atomic oxygen on durability of POSS-polyimide nanocomposite

R. Verker*, E. Grossman, I. Gouzman, A. Laikhtman, S. Katz, M. Freankel, S. Maman, G. Lempert, N. Eliaz

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

Abstract

The combined effect of hypervelocity space debris impacts and atomic oxygen (AO) on the fracture of polyimide films reinforced with polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxanes (POSS) was studied. A laser-driven flyer (LDF) system was used to accelerate aluminum flyers to impact velocities of up to 3 km/s, and the impacted films were exposed to an RF plasma AO source. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to characterize the fracture morphology. The extent of damage in POSS-polyimide impacted films was found to be much smaller compared to POSS-free films, insinuating on a toughening mechanism developed due to POSS incorporation. When exposed to AO, the impacted POSS-free film revealed synergistic effect associated with a large increase in the erosion rate, while impacted POSS-containing samples showed improved resistance toward AO. The increased erosion rate of the impacted POSS-free film is explained by formation of residual stresses that affect the oxidation mainly by increasing the diffusivity of oxygen.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationProceedings of the 10th International Symposium on Materials in a Space Environment and The 8th International Conference on Protection of Materials and Structures in a Space Environment
Edition616
StatePublished - Sep 2006
Event10th International Symposium on Materials in a Space Environment and The 8th International Conference on Protection of Materials and Structures in a Space Environment - Collioure, France
Duration: 19 Jun 200623 Jun 2006

Publication series

NameEuropean Space Agency, (Special Publication) ESA SP
Number616
ISSN (Print)0379-6566

Conference

Conference10th International Symposium on Materials in a Space Environment and The 8th International Conference on Protection of Materials and Structures in a Space Environment
Country/TerritoryFrance
CityCollioure
Period19/06/0623/06/06

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Synergistic effect of simulated hypervelocity space debris and atomic oxygen on durability of POSS-polyimide nanocomposite'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this