CHARACTERIZATION OF POLYMER-FILMS RETRIEVED FROM NASA LONG-DURATION EXPOSURE FACILITY

The results of chemical and physical tests of thin-film polyethylene exposed to the low-Earth-orbit environment are presented. These materials were placed in orbit aboard NASA’s Long Duration Exposure Facility. The primary objective of the research is to examine the effect of atomic oxygen in the presence of ultraviolet radiation on materials used in the design of flight systems. The location of these materials on the satellite minimized direct impact by atomic oxygen, thus providing an opportunity to study the effects of the low-Earth-orbit environment on polymer materials in the absence of direct impact atomic oxygen. The chemical, morphological, and mechanical changes for polyethylene specimens are reviewed. © 1994 by the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Inc. All rights reserved.

CHARACTERIZATION OF POLYMER-FILMS RETRIEVED FROM NASA LONG-DURATION EXPOSURE FACILITY Academic Article