Abstract
The outer surfaces of space apparatus are subjected to the action of various factors of a space environment. For polymer materials at low earth orbits (altitudes 200–700 km) the sun's radiation and fast atomic oxygen from earth's residual atmosphere play the main role between these factors. We have shown that the solar radiation with wavelengths 177–220 nm plays the decisive role in deterioration of mechanical properties of polytetrafluoroethylene films. For films of polyimide of Kapton type the main destructive factor is the fast atomic oxygen (5 eV) which is responsible for erosion of this polymer. It was shown that fast atomic oxygen reacts with polyimide predominantly by a mechanism similar to the mechanism of thermal atomic oxygen reactions. The rather deep (more than 50 Å) penetration of atomic oxygen into polymer surfaces was observed.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
