Wang Kai, Chen Mengjiong, Lei Gang, Wang Xunchun
Shanghai Institute of Space Power Source, Shanghai 200245, China.
ACS Omega. 2021 Oct 20;6(43):28477-28484. doi: 10.1021/acsomega.1c00762. eCollection 2021 Nov 2.
Silicone rubber (SR) has the properties of organic-inorganic materials and good adaptability to the space environment, which can be used as an atomic oxygen (AO)-resistant layer on the spacecraft surface. In this study, SR coatings were used to spray on the polyimide surface to prevent atomic oxygen erosion. Then, the physical, chemical, and AO-resistant properties of the SR were investigated. By means of laser diffraction scattering particle size distribution tests, energy-dispersive spectroscopy elemental mapping, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, the fillers and matrix were confirmed as precipitated silica and phenyl SR, respectively. Through analysis of swelling behavior, greater cross-linking density and less swelling ratio were observed at higher temperature and humidity. Furthermore, after AO was exposed with an accumulated fluence of 1.2 × 10 atoms/cm, cracks appeared on the coating surface with the change of element content. In addition, it was found that the degree of reaction between AO and SR should not be determined based on mass loss measurements. Our work showed the practical application and great potential of SR protective coating in spacecraft.
硅橡胶（SR）具有有机-无机材料的特性以及对空间环境良好的适应性，可作为航天器表面的抗原子氧（AO）层。在本研究中，采用SR涂层喷涂在聚酰亚胺表面以防止原子氧侵蚀。然后，对SR的物理、化学和抗AO性能进行了研究。通过激光衍射散射粒度分布测试、能量色散光谱元素映射和X射线光电子能谱，确定填料和基体分别为沉淀二氧化硅和苯基SR。通过对溶胀行为的分析，在较高温度和湿度下观察到更高的交联密度和更低的溶胀率。此外，在AO累积注量为1.2×10个原子/平方厘米的暴露后，涂层表面出现裂纹且元素含量发生变化。此外，发现不应基于质量损失测量来确定AO与SR之间的反应程度。我们的工作展示了SR防护涂层在航天器中的实际应用和巨大潜力。
