Adhesion of a carbon nanotube array and its polydimethylsiloxane composite in vacuum and thermal vacuum

Abstract

Developing dry adhesion technologies for space environments will greatly enhance the manned spaceflight, on-orbit servicing, and operational capability of non-cooperative targets. The complexity of space conditions requires strict standards for the performance of adhesives in aerospace devices. In this study, vacuum and thermal vacuum environments are simulated for testing the frictional attachment-detachment properties and adhesion strength of a carbon nanotube (CNT) array and polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS)/CNT array composite. In vacuum, the frictional attachment-detachment behavior of both CNT array and PDMS/CNT array composite shows no obvious differences from that in atmospheric environment. The frictional adhesion strength of the composite is improved in vacuum, whereas that of the CNT array remains unchanged compared with those in atmospheric environment. Both materials exhibit good adhesion stability and reusability in vacuum and atmospheric environment. In thermal vacuum, the normal and shear adhesion strength are maintained for the CNT array and the composite. In vacuum and thermal vacuum, the CNT array and its composite retain effective adhesion properties, and could form the basis of a CNT dry adhesive for space application.