Surface-Localized Chemically Modified Reduced Graphene Oxide Nanocomposites as Flexible Conductive Surfaces for Space...

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Polymer Science
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Thermoplastic polymers offer versatile properties for space exploration but suffer from low electrical conductivity, limiting their use in electronic components.
• Applications like static charge dissipation, resistive heaters, and dust shielding require conductive materials, a gap current polymers cannot fill.
• Electrically conductive nanocomposites are needed to overcome limitations of conventional polymers in demanding space environments.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the microstructural evolution of electrically conductive, surface-localized nanocomposites (SLNCs) using modified reduced graphene oxide and thermoplastic polymers.
• To investigate the relationship between SLNCs' conductivity and surface structure with the substrate's critical thermal properties.
• To assess the physical durability of these conductive SLNCs under conditions relevant to lunar applications.

Main Methods:

• Chemically modified reduced graphene oxide was combined with thermoplastic polymers to create surface-localized nanocomposites (SLNCs).
• The processing temperature was controlled relative to the substrate's critical thermal properties (glass transition or melting temperature).
• Electrical conductivity, surface morphology, and physical durability (tension, flexion, abrasion) were characterized using lunar simulants.

Main Results:

• SLNCs exhibited electrical conductivities ranging from 0.6-3 S/cm, with tunable surface structures from porous to non-porous.
• Materials showed minimal resistance changes under uniaxial tension (up to 20% strain) and significant abrasion resistance (500 cycles).
• The developed nanocomposites demonstrated physical durability suitable for flexible conductors in lunar environments.

Conclusions:

• Electrically conductive SLNCs based on graphene oxide and thermoplastics offer a promising solution for space applications.
• These materials possess the necessary conductivity and physical robustness for use in exterior lunar environments.
• The development expands the utility of polymers in space exploration, including lunar missions, satellites, and orbital structures.