Surface Modification of Space Materials Induced by Low Energetic Particle Irradiation

Kurzfassung

A set of six different materials frequently used in spacecraft engineering was irradiated with low energy (100 keV) proton irradiation to simulate the aging of their surfaces due to space radiation in Low Earth Orbit. A microscopic and spectroscopic analysis of the irradiated samples reveals that the tested materials containing organic polymers Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) and carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) show significant changes in surface morphology. As opposed to this, samples with a metallic surface such as aluminum, titanium or multi-layer insulation (MLI) remain rather unaffected. This knowledge is highly relevant for the interpretation of optical data related to the observation of space debris (so-called light curves) as well as to studies about laser matter interaction for laser-based debris removal.