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Surface characterization of LDEF carbon fiber/polymer matrix composites

Conference ·
OSTI ID:42768
; ; ;  [1]
  1. Virginia Polytechnic Inst. and State Univ., Blacksburg, VA (United States)

XPS (x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy) and SEM (scanning electron microscopy) analysis of both carbon fiber/epoxy matrix and carbon fiber/polysulfone matrix composites revealed significant changes in the surface composition as a result of exposure to low-earth orbit. The carbon 1s curve fit XPS analysis in conjunction with the SEM photomicrographs revealed significant erosion of the polymer matrix resins by atomic oxygen to expose the carbon fibers of the composite samples. This erosion effect on the composites was seen after 10 months in orbit and was even more obvious after 69 months.

Research Organization:
National Aeronautics and Space Administration, Hampton, VA (United States). Langley Research Center
OSTI ID:
42768
Report Number(s):
N--95-23896; NASA-CP--3275-PT-2; L--17430B-PT-2; NAS--1.55:3275-PT-2; CONF-9311137--; CNN: NAG1-1186
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English