Thermoplastic Materials for Rigidizable Space Systems

摘要

This paper describes the results obtained from a research program performed to develop thermoplastic-based composites specifically designed for deployment in low Earth orbit through inflation of compact structures followed by rigidization. Several carbon fabric reinforced thermoplastic systems were evaluated. Three thermoplastic resin candidates were selected: polypropylene (PP), high-density polyethylene (HDPE), and glycol-modified polyester terephthalate (PETG). This selection was based on the physical, mechanical, and thermal properties of the systems as well as the commercial availability of these systems in thin sheets. The fiber/resin systems were evaluated under specific testing and analysis to enable assessment of their ability to meet the key requirements. Basically, each composite passed all tests, although to varying degrees. Processability, high volume fraction, and mechanical performance were not significantly different among the three candidates. One crucial parameter was the softening temperature, which was the lowest for the carbon-reinforced PETG.