1. Electrostatic charge mitigation by graphene-based thin films for optical solar reflectors in spacecraft.
- Author
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Joshi, Rita, Manikanta, P.N., Sinha, Shreyashi, Dey, Arjun, Rastogi, Gunjan, Rangappa, Dinesh, Barshilia, Harish C., Manna, Sujit, and Lahiri, Indranil
- Subjects
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SOLAR reflectors , *OPTICAL reflectors , *OPTICAL films , *THIN films , *KELVIN probe force microscopy , *ADHESIVE tape - Abstract
In the field of spacecraft engineering, in particular for geostationary and geosynchronous applications, a significant need exists for a thermal control film to be electrically conductive, to effectively manage the dissipation of accumulated charges. In this study, transparent-electrically conductive reduced graphene oxide is strategically applied to heated rigid (quartz glass) and flexible (Fluorinated Ethylene propylene) optical solar reflector substrates. This innovation harnesses the unique properties of graphene to seamlessly integrate electrical conductivity into space-appropriate substrates with minimum deviation in their optical transparency and thermal properties. The tape peel-off test, conducted in accordance with space materials standards (ASTM D903) using 3 M Scotch tape, reveals the better adhesion of the developed coating. A noteworthy aspect of the present work involves visualizing charge dissipation using Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscope (FESEM) electron bombardment through obtained images and decreased surface potential measured by Kelvin Probe Force microscopy (KPFM). Furthermore, a basic OSR model is fabricated by depositing a reflective back with Aluminium and graphene thin film protecting from the top to investigate the alteration in reflection by varying incident angles. This research contributes to the advancement of spacecraft materials and coatings aimed at improving spacecraft durability and functionality. • A large-scale spray-based coating is developed on heated OSR substrates to address electrostatic charging. • Minimal deviation in thermo-optical properties and decreased sheet resistance of the substrates. • The tape peel-off method (ASTM D903) demonstrates improved adhesion for practical applications. • Charge dissipation is visualized through FESEM images and surface potential mapped by KPFM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2024
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