About this Abstract |
| Meeting |
2026 TMS Annual Meeting & Exhibition
|
| Symposium
|
Characterization of Minerals, Metals and Materials 2026 - In-Situ Characterization Techniques
|
| Presentation Title |
Residual Gas Analysis of Mechanically-Induced Dielectric Breakdown of Polymethyl Methacrylate |
| Author(s) |
Bryson Clifford, Noah Hoppis, John Cumings, Timothy W. Koeth |
| On-Site Speaker (Planned) |
Bryson Clifford |
| Abstract Scope |
In high-radiation space-environment applications both thin-film and bulk dielectrics are utilized for varying purposes (e.g., protective coatings, windows). However, dielectric breakdown phenomena of bulk materials are less studied due to difficulty re-creating parameters for in-situ characterization of large sample geometry (i.e., regarding permanent damage and by-products produced due to Lichtenberg figure formation). Nevertheless, discharge of bulk dielectrics can pose risk to sensitive telemetry or other antenna-based electronics. While, off-gassing and breakdown gasses raise contamination concerns for gas sensors and other in-flight assets.
We report that methyl methacrylate (MMA) monomer is measured as a discharge product released from commercially purchased, optically transparent, 555 cm cubic poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) samples (PEASE Plastics), irradiated at room temperature using a 4-6 MeV nominal electron energy linac, then evacuated to 10-4 Torr and mechanically impacted to initiate dielectric breakdown. Breakdown gases were sampled using a Stanford Research System quadrupole mass spectrometer RGA (1-200 AMU). |
| Proceedings Inclusion? |
Planned: |