EXPOSURE TESTS OF CARBIDE AND NITRIDE CERAMICS WITH SM/SEED ON ISS

摘要

The exposure tests of ceramic materials in a space environment around the International Space Station (ISS) started in 2001 and the first cycle finished in 2002. The tests will continue until the performance of the third cycle one, that is, in 2005 or later. Five samples of AlN, SiC (hot-pressed and reaction-sintered), and TiN (ion-plated on Al and Al_2O_3) are examined against atomic oxygen, radiation, thermal cycle, etc. The influence of radiation, vacuum, and thermal cycling are also examined. The surfaces of the present samples in contact with the atmosphere have not been changed after one-year exposure. The detailed information with respect to the microscopic effect on these samples can be obtained through depth profiles of their surfaces measured by Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry (SIMS).