Enhancement of space durability of materials and external components through surface modification

Results of surface modification treatment to improve space durability of main space-related thin polymer films, a lacing tape, and several organic-based thermal-control paints by a patented Photosil(TM) process are presented. Results of ground-based testing in an oxygen plasma asher and in a fast atomic-oxygen beam facility imitating low-Earth-orbit environment are also discussed. Characterization data before and after testing that include functional properties measurement, surface analyses, and durability evaluation are presented, and the protective mechanisms for Photosil treatment are discussed. Some of the samples that were treated in the program are similar to those in the Materials on International Space Station Experiment-1, being exposed now on the International Space Station. A number of space components including lacing tape and some external painted components of the Mobile Servicing System of the International Space Station were treated by Photosil, and the results will be discussed briefly.