Properties of Materials in Space

1. While exploring space scientists came across¹ some problems concerning the behavior of materials used in space equipment. These are too high or too low temperatures, low pressures and solar radiation. These factors were found to alter the physical and mechanical properties of the material used.

2. The behavior of some materials under vacuum conditions had been studied. It was found that such widely used coatings² as cadmium and zinc, would be easily evaporation of materials may cause trouble to electronic equipment and devices. Cadmium, zinc and magnesium are the most dangerous in this respect. That is why they cannot be used in the construction of vehicles launched into space.

3. Some polymeric materials proved to change their properties under such conditions as well. This is mostly due to the rapid evaporation of components the polymers are made of. The use of new protective films and the proper selection of the necessary materials is the only means to ensure high reliability of instruments operating under low pressures.

4. Radiation damage caused by protons and electrons is another factor to be taken into consideration³ in selecting the material. Radiation results in⁴ changing optical properties of a material. Some glasses grow darker, when bombarded by high-energy particles. For example, such a material as plexiglass gets covered with a dull untransparent film⁵. Those gave rise⁶ to developing special grades of glasses which do not alter their properties when subjected to prolonged radiation.

5. Scientists consider polyamides to be the best polymeric materials. Thermoplastic polyamides possess good technological properties and good casting ability. Because of small shrinkage it is possible to directly cast precision parts of complex shapes.

6. The materials mentioned above can be used in industries as light and strong engineering materials⁷. Their application in electric equipment enables us to considerably increase the reliability and life-time⁸ of machines operating under severe conditions. Besides, the weight of electronic equipment is essentially reduced which is of great importance for aviation and space engineering.