Abstract
Spacecraft designers need to find innovative ways to reduce satellite mass. In this direction, a new technology is being developed which has the potential payoff in the difficult subsystem of imaging payloads. A class of inorganic polymers, called geopolymers, is being tested for their use as lightweight mirror materials. Two formulations, one for use as an adhesive and the other one for use as a structural material, are under development and are being space qualified as part of this overall effort. Geopolymers have the advantages of low initial coefficient of thermal expansion, easy preparation at room temperature and atmospheric conditions, castability, and adhesion to a number of common mirror coating materials. If successful, geopolymer based optics have the potential to improve the areal densities of traditional monolithic glass mirrors by a factor of 3 or more. This paper will detail the progress on our formulations of geopolymers for developing lightweight mirrors for space applications, and the status of the space qualification testing at this time, specifically the results of ASTM outgassing tests.
Presentation Slides
Inorganic Polymers for Space Applications
Spacecraft designers need to find innovative ways to reduce satellite mass. In this direction, a new technology is being developed which has the potential payoff in the difficult subsystem of imaging payloads. A class of inorganic polymers, called geopolymers, is being tested for their use as lightweight mirror materials. Two formulations, one for use as an adhesive and the other one for use as a structural material, are under development and are being space qualified as part of this overall effort. Geopolymers have the advantages of low initial coefficient of thermal expansion, easy preparation at room temperature and atmospheric conditions, castability, and adhesion to a number of common mirror coating materials. If successful, geopolymer based optics have the potential to improve the areal densities of traditional monolithic glass mirrors by a factor of 3 or more. This paper will detail the progress on our formulations of geopolymers for developing lightweight mirrors for space applications, and the status of the space qualification testing at this time, specifically the results of ASTM outgassing tests.
