Anodized aluminum coatings for thermal control. I - Coating process and stressesAnodized aluminum is a candidate material for use as a thermal radiator surface on Space Station Freedom. Here, results of measurements of coating stress at room temperature are presented. The effects of coating process conditions and also subsequent exposure to different humidities, from above ambient to vacuum, are reported. The most important observation with regard to space applications is that the coating stress is very dependent on humidity, changing from compressive at ambient humidity to strongly tensile in 10 exp -6 torr vacuum. The increase in stress is accompanied by loss of water from the coating, and the process is reversible.
Document ID
19920048667
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Alwitt, R. S. (Boundary Technologies, Inc. Buffalo Grove, IL, United States)
Mcclung, R. C. (Southwest Research Institute San Antonio, TX, United States)
Jacobs, S. (NASA Johnson Space Center Houston, TX, United States)