Ultra-lightweight multifunctional space skin created to withstand the extreme conditions in space

Written by Copernical Team Tuesday, 21 March 2023 17:25

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Ultra-lightweight multifunctional space skin created to withstand the extreme conditions in space — Challenges associated with structural materials selection for space structures.(A) Schematic illustration with environmental effects for orbiting satellites, aircrafts, and planetary science missions. (B) Image of the Sentinel-5 optical support carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) structure. (C) Comparison of simplified selection matrix for structural satellite components with superlattice nano-barrier–enhanced (SNBE)–CFRP (this work). Credit: *Science Advances* (2023). DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.add6947

A new nanobarrier coating could help protect ultra-lightweight carbon composite materials from extreme conditions in space, according to a study from the University of Surrey and Airbus Defence and Space.

The new functionality added to previously developed 'space skin' structures adds a layer of protection to help maintain space payloads while traveling in space, similar to having its very own robust ultralight protective jacket.

The research team has shown that their innovative nano-barrier would help drastically increase the stability of carbon fiber materials, while reducing radiation damage.

Professor Ravi Silva, corresponding author of the study and Director of the Advanced Technology Institute (ATI) at the University of Surrey, said,

"Current aluminum shielding is not thermally stable or fully conformal, and therefore usually undesired for stable structures. Not to mention that aluminum shielding contributes to the mass and cost of satellites. Our nano-barrier addresses these issues and is a promising upgrade to the industry standard which could become a key accessory to all space and aircraft structures that are both mobile and static."

The coating is a highly dense superlattice structure applied to carbon fiber materials at room temperature which does not add over 1 μm of thickness, therefore keeping the materials lightweight.

The study has been published in Science Advances.

More information: Michal Delkowski et al, Radiation and electrostatic resistance for ultra-stable polymer composites reinforced with carbon fibers, Science Advances (2023). DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.add6947

Journal information:Science Advances

Provided by University of Surrey

Citation: Ultra-lightweight multifunctional space skin created to withstand the extreme conditions in space (2023, March 21) retrieved 21 March 2023 from https://phys.org/news/2023-03-ultra-lightweight-multifunctional-space-skin-extreme.html

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