Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 30, 2025
08:33
Functionalization and Dispersion of Carbon Nanomaterials Using an Environmentally Friendly Ultrasonicated Ozonolysis Process
Published on: May 30, 2017
10.2K
Carbon nanotube paper with different polymer composition for laser ablation propulsion
Optics Express
|January 29, 2025
Summary
Carbon nanotube papers (CNTPs) show promise as propellants for laser ablation propulsion in microsatellites. A specific composite (M-CNTP3) achieved a high impulse coupling coefficient, indicating efficient performance for low-fluence applications.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Aerospace Engineering
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- Laser ablation propulsion is a key micro-propulsion technology for microsatellites.
- Carbon-based nanomaterials, including carbon nanotubes, offer high impulse coupling coefficients (Cm) for propellants.
- Carbon nanotube films demonstrate potential for low laser fluence propulsion due to their low ablation threshold.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate carbon nanotube papers (CNTPs) as propellants for laser ablation propulsion.
- To evaluate the performance of different CNTP compositions under laser ablation.
- To identify optimal CNTP formulations for efficient microsatellite propulsion.
Main Methods:
- Four types of CNTPs were synthesized and characterized: S-CNTP (single-walled), M-CNTP1 (multi-walled), M-CNTP2 (30% MWCNT composite), and M-CNTP3 (8% MWCNT composite).
- Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) was used to analyze the nanostructure of the CNTPs.
- Impulse coupling coefficient (Cm) was measured under laser ablation.
- Time-resolved plasma spectroscopy and Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA-DSC) were employed to understand ablation mechanisms and material properties.
Main Results:
- SEM revealed distinct network structures for S-CNTP and M-CNTP1, and polymer-filled surfaces for M-CNTP2 and M-CNTP3.
- M-CNTP3 achieved a high Cm of 58.1 µN/W at a laser fluence of 1.09 J/cm2.
- Reduced C2 Swan band emission was observed for M-CNTP3, correlating with enhanced performance.
- TGA-DSC indicated that the polymer's decomposition temperature significantly influences the Cm.
Conclusions:
- CNTP-based composite materials are viable propellants for laser ablation propulsion.
- The performance of CNTP propellants is dependent on the type and concentration of carbon nanotubes and polymer content.
- M-CNTP3 offers a promising alternative propellant for microsatellite propulsion, particularly under low laser fluence conditions.
