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Fabrication of Large-area Free-standing Ultrathin Polymer Films
Published on: June 3, 2015
Protecting polymers in space with atomic layer deposition coatings.
Timothy K Minton1, Bohan Wu, Jianming Zhang
1Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Montana State University, Bozeman, Montana 59717, USA. tminton@montana.edu
ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces
|August 27, 2010
Summary
Atomic layer deposition (ALD) coatings effectively protect space polymers like Kapton and Teflon from atomic-oxygen and vacuum ultraviolet (VUV) radiation damage. These advanced films mitigate erosion and degradation, enhancing material durability in harsh space environments.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Aerospace Engineering
- Surface Chemistry
Background:
- Spacecraft polymers face degradation from atomic-oxygen and vacuum ultraviolet (VUV) radiation.
- Existing polymer materials struggle to withstand harsh space environmental conditions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effectiveness of Atomic Layer Deposition (ALD) coatings in protecting polymers from space environmental factors.
- To assess ALD's ability to shield Kapton polyimide, FEP Teflon, and poly(methyl methacrylate) from atomic-oxygen and VUV attack.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a laser-detonation source for hyperthermal atomic-oxygen and a D2 lamp for VUV exposure.
- Employed quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) for in situ mass loss monitoring.
- Conducted ex situ surface profilometry and scanning electron microscopy to analyze surface changes.
Main Results:
- Aluminum oxide (Al2O3) ALD coatings demonstrated significant protection against atomic-oxygen erosion.
- Titanium dioxide (TiO2) ALD coatings effectively protected polymers from VUV-induced damage.
- Combined ALD coatings offered simultaneous protection against both atomic-oxygen and VUV radiation.
Conclusions:
- ALD coatings provide a viable solution for enhancing polymer resilience in space.
- Tailored ALD films can simultaneously mitigate atomic-oxygen and VUV degradation pathways.
- This research paves the way for more durable polymer components in space applications.
