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Space structures are exposed to a harsh environment at Low Earth Obit (LEO), which is especially detrimental to polymeric structures because of the erosive properties of atomic oxygen (AO) in synergy with UV radiation. We have shown that polymer nanocomposites can significantly reduce the erosion rates of epoxy matrices by controlling the nanoparticle volume fraction and size, Figure (a).

Micrometeoroids and orbital debris (MMOD) traveling at velocities of 7.5 km/s and higher can be also be catastrophic or initiate conditions for accelerated AO erosion. We are investigating ways to reduce the catastrophic effects of MMOD on lightweight composite materials. Figure (b) shows impact craters anf the damage profiles crated on different epoxy nanocomposites by a 0.5-mm Al disc travelling at 4.5 km/s.

 
(a)

(b)

                                                                                                   Related Publications

1. K. M. Chang, D. Das, L. Salvati III, L. M. Dean, R. Keshari, M. Garg, D. D. Dlott, I. Chasiotis, and N. R. Sottos. "Durable and impact-resistant thermoset polymers for the extreme environment of low Earth orbit." Extreme Mechanics Letters 64, pp. 102089, (2023).

2. S. Yagnamurthy, Q. Chen, C. Chen, and I. Chasiotis, “Erosion Rates of Epoxy-Silica Nanocomposites at the Lower Earth Orbit Environment of the International Space Station”, Journal of Composite Materials 47(1), pp. 107-117, (2013).