Chinese researchers have developed a new two-layer polyimide nanocomposite film that can be used to more effectively protect the outer surfaces of spacecraft.
The Long March 5 rocket carrying the Tianwen-1 probe lifts off from the Wenchang Space Launch Site in Hainan Province, China. (Illustrative photo: AFP/TTXVN)
Due to its mechanical properties, thermal stability, and chemical resistance, polyimide films have long been widely used to protect spacecraft operating in adverse external conditions in low Earth orbit. However, this material is highly susceptible to atomic oxygen in the space environment, leading to a significant reduction in its physical and mechanical properties.
Researchers at the University of Science and Technology of China have created a new polyimide nanocomposite film with significantly improved mechanical properties and atomic oxygen resistance by integrating nano mica sheets with polyimide into a two-layer structure. This nanocomposite film can withstand atomic oxygen, ultraviolet radiation, and debris in space.
The performance of this material surpasses that of pure polyimide, single-layer polyimide sheets, and other previously published polyimide-based composites.
