Effect of Carbon Black Pigment on the Surface Resistivity of the Black Silicone Thermal Control Coating

Black thermal control coatings based on carbon black are used widely in space technology. The thermal control coatings are exposed to electrostatic charges that develop on the external surface of the spacecraft. The charges would otherwise accumulate to cause arcing and possible damage. The carbon black pigment provides sufficient electrical conductivity to dissipate electrostatic charges. In this study, The influence of the type and percent of carbon black on the surface resistivity of the coating produced by polydimethylsiloxane and carbon black was studied. Results indicated that the weight fraction of the pigment in coatings fabricated by carbon black with a sponge-like structure are lower compared to coatings fabricated by carbon black with a nonporous structure also, the surface resistance decreased with increasing pigment contents.