Mechanical Properties of Polymers Exposed to a Low Earth Orbit
Abstract
Samples of 1.0 mil thick low density polyethylene, also known under the trade name Stratofilm®, were retrieved from the Long Duration Exposure Facility (LDEF) Satellite. These samples were exposed to diffuse atomic oxygen and ultraviolet radiation for a six year period before retrieval was possible. The fact that these samples survived is remarkable since ram atomic oxygen and UV radiation cause irreversible degradation of the polymer. However, these polymers were inadvertently protected from the effects of ram impact atomic oxygen and have thus survived.
These samples provide a singular opportunity to characterize polymeric properties under low earth orbit conditions. In order to characterize these polymeric films, it was necessary to determine the crystallinity of the exposed polymers. This is because the crystallinity is directly linked to the mechanical properties of the polymer and will serve to characterize them.
However, it is essential to characterize the crystalline properties of a control set of Stratofilm® first so as to provide a baseline reference. This enables the exposed polymers to be compared to the normal properties of Stratofilm®. Thus, the first phase of research undertaken is to characterize these control samples as well as begin characterizing the exposed polymeric materials.
Description
Program year: 1996/1997Digitized from print original stored in HDR
Citation
Lee, Daniel (1994). Mechanical Properties of Polymers Exposed to a Low Earth Orbit. University Undergraduate Fellow. Available electronically from https : / /hdl .handle .net /1969 .1 /CAPSTONE -LeeD _1994.