Degradation Of Fluoropolymers by O(3P)

Three reports describe experimental studies of degradation of some fluoropolymers (and few nonfluorinated polymers) by monatomic oxygen in 3P state. Studies motivated by need to develop polymeric coats to protect some components of spacecraft against highly reactive O(3P) atmosphere at typical low Earth orbital altitudes. Results indicate fully fluorinated polymers most resistant to oxidation, while cross-linked (but otherwise fully fluorinated) fluoropolymers most resistant to etching.