Integration fabrication of polyimide composite films for aerospace applications

Abstract

Polyimides externally deployed in spacecraft or satellites extensively have various aerospace hazards, including atomic oxygen (AO) erosion, irradiation degradation, and electrostatic charge/discharge (ESC/ESD). To cope with these challenges, we fabricate a ZnO/CuNi‐polyimide composite film with augmented permanence. Using spectroscopy and microscopy techniques, we have shown that the combination of chelation and cross‐linking in the interfacial architecture leads to enhanced interfacial compatibility and mechanical robustness. Besides, due to the positive AO diffusion barrier ability of the wurtzite ZnO, our composite film shows remarkable AO resistance and a very small Ey value of 6.88 × 10−26 cm3/atom, which is merely 2.29% of that of pristine polyimide. Moreover, the well‐defined nanocrystalline state with minimal lattice swelling (0.3%–0.7%) of the Fe+‐irradiated ZnO/CuNi‐polyimide at a damaging dose of 353.4 dpa demonstrates its excellent irradiation resistance. Finally, the ZnO/CuNi‐polyimide also shows sufficient electrostatic dissipation capacity to cope with the ESC/ESD events. Our fabrication approach for composite films based on multi‐technology integration shows potential for aerospace applications and deployment.

Atomic Insight into Multilevel Microstructure Evolution and Energy Variation Mechanisms of Polyimide under Shock Compression

“…In aerospace engineering, PI is pervasive and utilized for the fabrication of diverse spacecraft components, including solar arrays, solar sails, film antennae, and thermal control insulation blankets. − In the realm of high-energy-density science, PI is widely accepted as the ablator in multilayered flyers for laser-shock experiments, − proficiently generating high-pressure states without encountering preheating issues. Furthermore, within inertial fusion energy (IFE) research, PI emerges as a promising material for crafting IFE target shells that satisfy stringent constraints. − However, the exposure of PI to the space environment subjects it to hypervelocity impact (HVI) from micrometeoroids and orbital debris (MMOD). − Additionally, when employed as an ablator in laser-shock experiments or the fabrication of IFE target shells, PI undergoes substantial shock compression loading induced by high-power lasers. , Consequently, achieving a thorough understanding of PI’s shock response assumes paramount engineering and scientific significance.…”