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Synthesis of Soft Polysiloxane-urea Elastomers for Intraocular Lens Application
Published on: March 8, 2019
Space survivable polyimides with excellent optical transparency and self-healing properties derived from
Xing F Lei1, Ying Chen, He P Zhang
1Department of Applied Chemistry, School of Science, Northwestern Polytechnical University , Youyi Road 127, Xi'an 710072, China.
ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces
|September 18, 2013
Summary
A new polyimide material incorporating hyperbranched polysiloxane (HBPSi) demonstrates superior atomic oxygen (AO) resistance and self-healing properties for space applications. This enhanced polyimide offers a promising, cost-effective alternative to existing spacecraft materials.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Polymer Chemistry
- Aerospace Engineering
Background:
- Polyimides (PI) are crucial for spacecraft due to their thermal stability.
- Atomic oxygen (AO) in low Earth orbit causes significant material degradation.
- Existing materials like Kapton require enhanced AO erosion resistance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a novel polyimide with improved atomic oxygen (AO) erosion resistance.
- To investigate the incorporation of hyperbranched polysiloxane (HBPSi) into polyimide chains.
- To evaluate the space survivability and self-healing capabilities of the new material.
Main Methods:
- Synthesis of hyperbranched polysiloxane (HBPSi).
- Copolycondensation of HBPSi with polyimide precursors.
- Ground-based simulated AO exposure experiments and surface morphology analysis using 29Si NMR.
Main Results:
- HBPSi incorporation significantly reduced AO-induced mass loss, with a 7.7% mass loss compared to pristine polyimide at 29.7 wt% HBPSi.
- Surface analysis revealed less roughening for HBPSi polyimides post-AO exposure.
- A self-healing silica protective layer formed on the surface during AO exposure, preventing further erosion.
Conclusions:
- The novel HBPSi-polyimide composite exhibits excellent AO erosion resistance and self-healing properties.
- The material's preparation is cost-effective, environmentally friendly, and suitable for mass production.
- This material presents a viable 'drop-in' replacement for Kapton in spacecraft applications.
