LDEF-space environmental effects on materials: Composites and silicone coatings

The objective of the Lockheed experiment is to evaluate the effects of long term low Earth orbit environments on thermal control coatings and organic matrix/fiber reinforced composites. Two diverse categories are reported: silicone coatings and composites. For composites physical and structural properties were analyzed; results are reported on mass/dimensional loss, microcracking, short beam shear, CTE, and flexural properties. The changes in thermal control properties, mass, and surface chemistry and morphology are reported and analyzed for the silicon coatings.