[Comparative evaluation of Russian and foreign methods of off-gas testing of polymer materials]

Comparative evaluation of Russian and foreign (NASA/USA) off-gas tests for polymers proposed for use onboard the NASA space vehicles was fulfilled with a polymer hardware model. Qualitative and quantitative composition of gases emitted in the model was determined with the gas-chromatographic technique. Data of the evaluation allow the suggestion that informational capacity of the NASA technique is insufficient for making conclusions on suitability of a polymer or a device for long-operating manned vehicles. Discussed are the options for development of a short-cut test method that might combine desirable characteristics of the methods practiced in two countries.