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Oxidation and protection of fiberglass-epoxy composite masts for photovoltaic arrays in the low earth orbital environmentThe extent of degradation of fiberglass-epoxy composite masts of the Space Station solar array panel, when these are exposed to atomic oxygen environment of the low-earth orbit, was investigated in ground testing of fiberglass-epoxy composites in an RF plasma asher. In addition, several methods of protecting the composite structures were evaluated, including an aluminum braid covering, an In-Sn eutectic, and a silicone based paint. It was found that, during exposure, the epoxy at the surface of the composite was oxidized, exposing individual glass fibers which could easily be removed. The results of mass measurements and SEM examination carried out after thermal cycling and flexing of exposed composite samples indicated that coatings such as In-Sn eutectic may provide adequate protection by containing the glass fibers, even though mass loss still occurs.
Document ID
19890047945
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Rutledge, Sharon K.
(NASA Lewis Research Center Cleveland, OH, United States)
Ciancone, Michael L.
(NASA Lewis Research Center Cleveland, OH, United States)
Paulsen, Phillip E.
(NASA Lewis Research Center Cleveland, OH, United States)
Brady, Joyce A.
(Cleveland State University OH, United States)
Date Acquired
August 14, 2013
Publication Date
January 1, 1988
Subject Category
Spacecraft Design, Testing And Performance
Meeting Information
Meeting: Materials Stability and Environmental Degradation
Location: Reno, NV
Country: United States
Start Date: April 5, 1988
End Date: April 7, 1988
Accession Number
89A35316
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

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