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An etiological study of phthalate self-contamination of spacecraft and contamination from their earthly environsPhthalates are very objectionable contaminants in space experiments because of their strong absorption in the UV and IR regions of the spectrum. Thus, even minute amounts of these compounds migrating to optical equipment, in test or space flight conditions, can seriously compromise the results of experiments by altering the sensitivity of the functional equipment. Volatility data of the phthalates and other plasticizers are presented in addition to UV spectra of ultrathin films of these same types of compounds. Sources of plasticizer contamination are revealed with special recognition given to di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP), the single most ubiquitous plasticizer in use. A surprisingly large percentage of the outgassing condensates from vacuum testing of spacecraft contain DEHP as well as other plasticizers. IR and gas chromatography/mass spectroscopy methods were used to analyze samples from spacecraft. Methods for successful reduction of plasticizers and other contaminants are mentioned.
Document ID
19720020495
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Other - NASA Technical Note (TN)
Authors
Gross, F. C.
(NASA Goddard Space Flight Center Greenbelt, MD, United States)
Colony, J. A.
(NASA Goddard Space Flight Center Greenbelt, MD, United States)
Date Acquired
September 2, 2013
Publication Date
August 1, 1972
Subject Category
Chemistry
Report/Patent Number
G-1070
NASA-TN-D-6903
Accession Number
72N28145
Funding Number(s)
PROJECT: RTOP 831-41-75-01-51
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Work of the US Gov. Public Use Permitted.
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