NASA Logo

NTRS

NTRS - NASA Technical Reports Server

Back to Results
Protective coatings for composite tubes in space applicationsProtective coatings for graphite/epoxy (Gr/Ep) tubular structures for a manned Space Station truss structure were evaluated. The success of the composite tube truss structure depends on its stability to long-term exposure to the low earth orbit (LEO) environment, with particular emphasis placed on atomic oxygen. Concepts for protectively coating Gr/Ep tubes include use of inorganic coated metal foils and electroplating. These coatings were applied to Gr/Ep tubes and then subjected to simulated LEO environment to evaluate survivability of coatings and coated tubes. Evaluation included: atomic oxygen resistance, changes in optical properties and adhesion, abrasion resistance, surface preparation required, coating uniformity, and formation of microcracks in the Gr/Ep tubes caused by thermal cycling. Program results demonstrated that both phosphoric and chromic acid anodized Al foil provided excellent adhesion to Gr/Ep tubes and exhibited stable optical properties when subjected to simulated LEO environment. The SiO2/Al coatings sputtered onto Al foils also resulted in an excellent protective coating. Electroplated Ni exhibited unacceptable adhesion loss to Gr/Ep tubes during atomic oxygen exposure.
Document ID
19880026012
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Dursch, Harry W.
(Boeing Aerospace Co. Seattle, WA, United States)
Hendricks, Carl L.
(Boeing Aerospace Co. Seattle, WA, United States)
Date Acquired
August 13, 2013
Publication Date
January 1, 1987
Subject Category
Composite Materials
Meeting Information
Meeting: Advanced materials technology ''87
Location: Anaheim, CA
Country: United States
Start Date: April 6, 1987
End Date: April 9, 1987
Accession Number
88A13239
Funding Number(s)
CONTRACT_GRANT: NAS1-16854
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

Available Downloads

There are no available downloads for this record.
No Preview Available