| Abstract Scope |
Environmental conditions in space are harsh and highly variable, accelerating the degradation of structural materials. In Medium Earth Orbit (MEO) and Geostationary Orbit (GEO), materials are exposed to intense ultraviolet radiation and debris impacts, while in Low Earth Orbit (LEO), atomic oxygen (AO), thermal cycling, ionizing radiation, micrometeoroids, and orbital debris create an especially aggressive environment capable of causing severe erosion and catastrophic damage. Although polymers are particularly susceptible to these degradation mechanisms, their low density and processability make them highly attractive for space habitats, satellites, and other aerospace structures. This talk will describe emerging self-protection strategies designed to improve the durability of thermoset polymers in LEO through AO-induced formation of protective surface layers. The erosion resistance of these materials was evaluated using a rapid ground-based plasma asher experiments, as well as on-orbit exposure in LEO. Our findings suggest a new paradigm in which environmental exposure triggers autonomous protective responses in bulk polymeric materials designed for extreme space environments. |