Space Durable Polymer Threads

Abstract

A unique polymer called TOR^TM is being developed for use in twisted and braided sewing threads that exhibits excellent space durability in comparison with other organic polymers. Existing organic polymer threads for applications in low Earth orbit (LEO) can suffer significant erosion from the combined effects of atomic oxygen and vacuum ultraviolet radiation which compromise their mechanical and physical properties over time [1–3]. Several types of thread used to stitch multilayer insulation (MLI) blankets have limited lifespans due to these environmental effects. In ground-based testing conducted at Marshall Space Flight Center, TOR threads showed much lower mass loss, and retained significantly more strength after AO simulation than many competing materials.

This paper discusses the processing of TOR into fibres, the braiding of TOR around an inner Kevlar^® core, characterization of the fibre to date, and potential applications for this product.

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