Property changes induced by the space environment in polymeric materials on LDEF

Abstract

Property changes that occurred in four groups of polymer-based materials in the Long Duration Exposure Facility (LDEF) due to exposure to the outer space environment for 5.8 yrs are examined. Evaluations of contamination and mass loss are presented along with optical, thermal, and electrical analyses and mechanical property evaluations for TFE Teflon, the fluorinated material Halar, the silicone-based material RTV 511, and PEEK resin.