Reactive Molecular Simulation of the Damage Mitigation Efficacy of POSS-, Graphene-, and Carbon Nanotube-Loaded Polyimide Coatings Exposed to Atomic Oxygen Bombardment

Mechanism Analysis and Potential Applications of Atomic Oxygen Erosion Protection for Kapton-Type Polyimide Based on Molecular Dynamics Simulations

Polyimide (PI) is widely used in aerospace applications due to its excellent properties. However, the high concentration of atomic oxygen (AO) in low-earth orbit (LEO) significantly degrades its performance. This study employs reactive molecular dynamics (MD) simulations to analyze the AO erosion resistance of fluorinated polyimide (FPI) and polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (POSS) composite polyimide models. The 35 ps simulation results indicate that the PI/POSS composite exhibits the best protective performance. The protection mechanism involves the formation of an SiO2 carbonized layer that prevents the transmission of AO and heat to the polyimide matrix, resulting in a normalized mass of 84.1% after erosion. The FPI model shows the second-best protective effect, where the introduction of -CF3 groups enhances the thermal stability of the polyimide matrix, resulting in a normalized mass of 80.7% after erosion. This study explores the protective effects and mechanisms of different polyimide protection methods at the molecular level, providing new insights for the design of AO erosion protection systems.

Reactive Molecular Dynamics Study of the Mechanism and Effect of Various Protective Coatings on the Protection of Polyimide Antierosion from Atomic Oxygen

Polyimide (PI), due to its exceptional performance, is commonly utilized in spacecraft. However, when such polymers are used in spacecraft navigating low Earth orbit, they are exposed to atomic oxygen (AO) that can cause the polymer to decompose. A protective coating method is a more effective way to safeguard the polymer from erosion caused by AO. This study employs the molecular dynamics simulation based on the reaction force field to investigate the protective effects of various coatings, including polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), graphene (Gr), polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), and the (0 0 1), (0 1 1), and (1 1 1) surfaces of SiO2. The results indicate that the protective performance of the (0 1 1) surface is superior to that of the (0 0 1) and (1 1 1) surfaces. Moreover, protective coatings are classified into three categories based on different protective mechanisms: rebound, absorption, and sacrificial. The protective effectiveness of coatings depends on their anti-AO performance and ability to combine with the substrate. Gr displays exceptional anti-AO properties and can effectively shield the substrate from AO erosion. Silicone-based coatings have a superior ability to adhere to PI substrates, and PDMS is an excellent choice for protective coatings. This paper offers guidance for the protective coating method of PIs against AO erosion.

Mesoscale Simulation of Polymer Pyrolysis by Coarse-Grained Molecular Dynamics: A Parametric Study

Full comprehension of the pyrolysis of polymer materials is crucial for the design and application of thermal protection systems; however, it involves complex phenomena at different spatial and temporal scales. To bridge the gap between the abundant atomistic simulations and continuum modeling in the literature, we perform a novel mesoscale study of the pyrolysis process using coarse-grained molecular dynamics (CG MD) simulations. Polyethylene (PE) consisting of united atoms including implicit hydrogen is considered a model polymer, and the configurational change of PE in thermal degradation is modeled by applying the bond-breaking phenomenon based on bond energy or bond length criteria. A cook-off simulation is implemented to optimize the heuristic protocol of bond dissociation by comparing the reaction products with a ReaxFF simulation. The aerobic hyperthermal pyrolysis under oxygen bombardment is simulated at a large scale of hundreds of nanometers to observe the intricate phenomena occurring from the surface to the depth inside the material. The intrinsic thermal durability of the model polymer at extreme conditions with and without oxygen environment can be effectively simulated from the proposed mesoscale simulation to predict important thermal degradation properties required for continuum-scale pyrolysis and ablation simulations. This work serves as an initial investigation of polymer pyrolysis at the mesoscale and helps understand the concept at a larger scale.

Carbon Nanocomposites in Aerospace Technology: A Way to Protect Low-Orbit Satellites

Recent advancements in space technology and reduced launching cost led companies, defence and government organisations to turn their attention to low Earth orbit (LEO) and very low Earth orbit (VLEO) satellites, for they offer significant advantages over other types of spacecraft and present an attractive solution for observation, communication and other tasks. However, keeping satellites in LEO and VLEO presents a unique set of challenges, in addition to those typically associated with exposure to space environment such as damage from space debris, thermal fluctuations, radiation and thermal management in vacuum. The structural and functional elements of LEO and especially VLEO satellites are significantly affected by residual atmosphere and, in particular, atomic oxygen (AO). At VLEO, the remaining atmosphere is dense enough to create significant drag and quicky de-orbit satellites; thus, thrusters are needed to keep them on a stable orbit. Atomic oxygen-induced material erosion is another key challenge to overcome during the design phase of LEO and VLEO spacecraft. This review covered the corrosion interactions between the satellites and the low orbit environment, and how it can be minimised through the use of carbon-based nanomaterials and their composites. The review also discussed key mechanisms and challenges underpinning material design and fabrication, and it outlined the current research in this area.

A Reactive Molecular Dynamics Study on Crosslinked Epoxy Resin Decomposition under High Electric Field and Thermal Aging Conditions

To reveal the microscopic mechanism of synergetic thermal-electrical degradation during a partial discharge process in epoxy insulation materials, the decomposition of crosslinked epoxy resin is investigated using reactive molecular dynamics simulations under high electric field and thermal degradation conditions. Bond-boost acceleration method is employed in reactive molecular dynamics simulations to successfully establish epoxy polymer models with a crosslink degree of 93%. Active molecular species derived from electrical partial discharges are considered in the current work. Small molecule products and decomposition temperature in the degradation process under an electric field are calculated to elucidate the effect of nitric acid and ozone molecules, being the active products generated by electrical partial discharges, on the synergetic thermal-electrical degradation of epoxy resin. Both nitric acid and ozone exacerbate thermal impact decomposition of crosslinked epoxy polymer by decreasing initial decomposition temperature from 1050 K to 940 K and 820 K, respectively. It is found that these active products can oxidize hydroxyl groups and carbon-nitrogen bridge bonds in epoxy molecular chains, leading to the aggravation of epoxy resin decomposition, as manifested by the significant increase in the decomposed molecular products. In contrast, thermal degradation of the epoxy resin without the active species is not expedited by increasing electric field. These strongly oxidative molecules are easily reduced to negative ions and able to obtain kinetic energies from electric field, which result in chemical corrosion and local temperature increase to accelerate decomposition of epoxy insulation materials.

Dependence of Incidence Angle and Flux Density in the Damage Effect of Atomic Oxygen on Kapton Film

Kapton film is a polymeric material widely used on low-Earth-orbit (LEO) spacecraft surfaces. In the LEO environment, atomic oxygen (AO) is spaceflight materials' most destructive environmental factor. The erosion mechanism of AO on Kapton films has long been an important issue, where the parameter dependence of the AO effect has received increasing attention. Studies of AO energy and cumulative flux have been extensively carried out, while the influence mechanism of the incidence angle and flux density is not fully understood. The AO incidence angle and flux density in space are diverse, which may cause different damage effects on aerospace materials. In this paper, the dependence of the incidence angle and flux density in the damaging effect of AO on Kapton films was investigated using ground-based AO test technology and the reactive molecular dynamics (ReaxFF MD) simulation technique. Firstly, the ground-based experiment obtained the mass loss data of Kapton films under the action of AO with a variable incidence angle and flux density. Then, the mass loss, temperature rise, product, and erosion yield of Kapton during AO impact with different incidence angles and dose rates were calculated using the ReaxFF MD method. The influences of the incidence angle and flux density on the damage mechanism of the AO effect were discussed by comparing the simulation and test results. The results show that the AO effect in the lower incidence angle range (0-60°) is independent of the incidence angle and depends only on the amount of impacted atomic oxygen. AO in the higher incidence angle range (60-90°) has a surface stripping effect, which causes more significant mass loss and a temperature rise while stripping raised macromolecules from rough surfaces, and the erosion effect increases with the increasing incidence angle and amount of impacted atomic oxygen. There is a critical value for the influence of flux density on the AO effect. Above this critical value, AO has a reduced erosive capacity due to a lower chance of participating in the reaction. The amount of each main product from the AO effect varies with the incidence angle and flux density. Nonetheless, the total content of the main products is essentially constant, around 70%. This work will contribute to our understanding of the incidence angle and flux density dependence of the AO effect and provide valuable information for the development of standards for ground simulation tests.

Fabrication, thermal analysis, and heavy ion irradiation resistance of epoxy matrix nanocomposites loaded with silane-functionalized ceria nanoparticles

This paper describes a detailed understanding of how nanofillers function as radiation barriers within the polymer matrix, and how their effectiveness is impacted by factors such as composition, size, loading, surface chemistry, and dispersion. We designed a comprehensive investigation of heavy ion irradiation resistance in epoxy matrix composites loaded with surface-modified ceria nanofillers, utilizing tandem computational and experimental methods to elucidate radiolytic damage processes and relate them to chemical and structural changes observed through thermal analysis, vibrational spectroscopy, and electron microscopy. A detailed mechanistic examination supported by FTIR spectroscopy data identified the bisphenol A moiety as a primary target for degradation reactions. Results of computational modeling by the Stopping Range of Ions in Matter (SRIM) Monte Carlo simulation were in good agreement with damage analysis from surface and cross-sectional SEM imaging. All metrics indicated that ceria nanofillers reduce the damage area in polymer nanocomposites, and that nanofiller loading and homogeneity of dispersion are key to effective damage prevention. The results of this study represent a significant pathway for engineered irradiation tolerance in a diverse array of polymer nanocomposite materials. Numerous areas of materials science can benefit from utilizing this facile and effective method to extend the reliability of polymer materials.

How Polytetrafluoroethylene Lubricates Iron: An Atomistic View by Reactive Molecular Dynamics

The tribochemistry and transfer film formation at the metal/polymer interface plays an essential role in surface protection, wear reduction, and lubrication. Although the topic has been studied for decades, challenges persist in clarifying the nanoscale mechanism and dynamic evolution of tribochemical reactions. To investigate the tribochemistry between iron and polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) in ambient and cryogenic environments, we have trained and expanded a ReaxFF reactive force field to describe iron-oxygen-water-PTFE systems (C/H/O/F/Fe). Using ReaxFF molecular dynamics simulations, we find that mechanical shearing of single asperity induced the degradation of PTFE molecules and radicals, showing subsequent oxidation and hydroxylation reactions of the radicals initiated by C-C bond cleavage, in agreement with previous experimental observations. Furthermore, we studied mechanisms of interfacial tribochemical reactions and formation of transfer films. We found that tribochemical wear and Fe-C and Fe-F bonding networks are important mechanisms for anchoring molecular chains to form a transfer film on the iron countersurface. Hydroxyl groups can dehydrogenate to form short and strong chelation bonds with the Fe₂O₃ countersurface. A friction-induced oriented molecular layer plays a key role in reducing friction, which is responsible for the excellent lubrication property. By varying temperatures in the range of 10-300 K, we found a nonmonotonic change in friction with a maxima at 100 K. At cryogenic temperatures, the molecular mobility was obviously suppressed, while the chain rigidity was enhanced, resulting in the less oriented interface and brittle-like shear interface, which is responsible for nonmonotonic friction. This work elucidates mechanisms of tribochemical reactions and transfer film formation between iron and PTFE at the atomistic level, facilitating design and development of self-lubricating materials, especially under harsh conditions.

Molecular Dynamics Simulation of Cracking Process of Bisphenol F Epoxy Resin under High-Energy Particle Impact

The current lead insulation of high-temperature superconductivity equipment is under the combined action of large temperature gradient field and strong electric field. Compared with a uniform temperature field, its electric field distortion is more serious, and it is easy to induce surface discharge to generate high-energy particles, destroy the insulation surface structure and accelerate insulation degradation. In this paper, the degradation reaction process of bisphenol F epoxy resin under the impact of high-energy particles, such as O₃⁻, HO^–, H₃O⁺ and NO⁺, is calculated based on ReaxFF simulation. According to the different types of high-energy particles under different voltage polarities, the micro-degradation mechanism, pyrolysis degree and pyrolysis products of epoxy resin are analyzed. The results show that in addition to the chemical reaction of high-energy particles with epoxy resin, their kinetic energy will also destroy the molecular structure of the material, causing the cross-linked epoxy resin to pyrolyze, and the impact of positive particles has a more obvious impact on the pyrolysis of epoxy resin.

Challenges and Opportunities of Self-Healing Polymers and Devices for Extreme and Hostile Environments

Engineering materials and devices can be damaged during their service life as a result of mechanical fatigue, punctures, electrical breakdown, and electrochemical corrosion. This damage can lead to unexpected failure during operation, which requires regular inspection, repair, and replacement of the products, resulting in additional energy consumption and cost. During operation in challenging, extreme, or harsh environments, such as those encountered in high or low temperature, nuclear, offshore, space, and deep mining environments, the robustness and stability of materials and devices are extremely important. Over recent decades, significant effort has been invested into improving the robustness and stability of materials through either structural design, the introduction of new chemistry, or improved manufacturing processes. Inspired by natural systems, the creation of self-healing materials has the potential to overcome these challenges and provide a route to achieve dynamic repair during service. Current research on self-healing polymers remains in its infancy, and self-healing behavior under harsh and extreme conditions is a particularly untapped area of research. Here, the self-healing mechanisms and performance of materials under a variety of harsh environments are discussed. An overview of polymer-based devices developed for a range of challenging environments is provided, along with areas for future research.

Synthesis of UV-Responsive Self-Healing Microcapsules and Their Potential Application in Aerospace Coatings

Advanced polymer composite coatings in the spacecraft are threatened by harsh space environment factors, such as strong UV radiation, atomic oxygen, thermal cycles, space debris, etc. Their service life can be drastically shortened by the unavoidable formation of cracks caused by these factors (especially strong and abundant UV radiation) during long-term flight. Herein, a UV-responsive microcapsule-based coating is developed for in-orbit damage repairing. UV-responsive microcapsules of which the inner polymeric shell can be degraded rapidly by the outer pure TiO₂ shell under UV radiation are produced by UV-initiated polymerization of Pickering emulsions and subsequently embedded into silicon resin matrices. When damaged, some microcapsules will be ruptured under the stimulus of external force, afterward the unbroken ones around the scratched areas will be degraded by UV radiation, as a result, encapsulated healing agents can be released and finally repair cracks. In this system, UV-responsive microcapsules can release more agents more effectively due to the dual release mode, compared with the traditional crack-repairing system. Moreover, the damage of UV radiation in space can be transferred into the favorable ones, which makes it have a potential application in aerospace coatings.

Advances in Polyimide-Based Materials for Space Applications

The space environment raises many challenges for new materials development and ground characterization. These environmental hazards in space include solar radiation, energetic particles, vacuum, micrometeoroids and debris, and space plasma. In low Earth orbits, there is also a significant concentration of highly reactive atomic oxygen (AO). This Progress Report focuses on the development of space-durable polyimide (PI)-based materials and nanocomposites and their testing under simulated space environment. Commercial PIs suffer from AO-induced erosion and surface electric charging. Modified PIs and PI-based nanocomposites are developed and tested to resist degradation in space. The durability of PIs in AO is successfully increased by addition of polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane. Conductive materials are prepared based on composites of PI and either carbon nanotube (CNT) sheets or 3D-graphene structures. 3D PI structures, which can expand PI space applications, made by either additive manufacturing (AM) or thermoforming, are presented. The selection of AM-processable engineering polymers in general, and PIs in particular, is relatively limited. Here, innovative preliminary results of a PI-based material processed by the PolyJet technology are presented.

Mechanically Robust Atomic Oxygen-Resistant Coatings Capable of Autonomously Healing Damage in Low Earth Orbit Space Environment

Polymeric materials used in spacecraft require to be protected with an atomic oxygen (AO)-resistant layer because AO can degrade these polymers when spacecraft serves in low earth orbit (LEO) environment. However, mechanical damage on AO-resistant coatings can expose the underlying polymers to AO erosion, shortening their service life. In this study, the fabrication of durable AO-resistant coatings that are capable of autonomously healing mechanical damage under LEO environment is presented. The self-healing AO-resistant coatings are comprised of 2-ureido-4[1H]-pyrimidinone (UPy)-functionalized polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (POSS) (denoted as UPy-POSS) that forms hydrogen-bonded three-dimensional supramolecular polymers. The UPy-POSS supramolecular polymers can be conveniently deposited on polyimides by a hot pressing process. The UPy-POSS polymeric coatings are mechanically robust, thermally stable, and transparent and have a strong adhesion toward polyimides to endure repeated bending/unbending treatments and thermal cycling. The UPy-POSS polymeric coatings exhibit excellent AO attack resistance because of the formation of epidermal SiO2 layer after AO exposure. Due to the reversibility of the quadruple hydrogen bonds between UPy motifs, the UPy-POSS polymeric coatings can rapidly heal mechanical damage such as cracks at 80 °C or under LEO environment to restore their original AO-resistant function.

Synthesis and properties of polyimide nanocomposite containing dopamine-modified graphene oxide

Polyimide (PI)/graphene oxide (GO) nanocomposites with different loads of polydopamine-modified graphene oxide (PI/PDA-GO) were prepared. Meanwhile, the as-prepared PI/PDA-GO nanocomposites were compared with pure PI in terms of their morphologies, thermal and mechanical properties. Only a minor mass fraction of PDA-GO was required to enhance the mechanical and thermal properties of PI. The tensile strength of 1 wt% PDA-GO/PI was increased by 12% and the tensile modulus of 1 wt% PDA-GO/PI nanocomposites was increased by 25% compared to those of pure PI. Vickers hardness of the PI hybrid films increased with PDA-GO load and the maximum enhancement in Vickers hardness was observed at 2 wt% PDA-GO loading. On the other hand, the storage modulus of 1 wt% PDA-GO/PI was increased by 54% than that of neat PI. In consideration of the facile preparation of PDA-coated GO, superior physical properties over neat PI, PI/PDA-GO nanocomposites showed promising applications as functional films or composites.

Dopamine@Nanodiamond as novel reinforcing nanofillers for polyimide with enhanced thermal, mechanical and wear resistance performance

In this study, to achieve a homogeneous dispersion of nanodiamond (ND) in a polyimide (PI) matrix and a strong interfacial adhesion between ND and the PI matrix, a biomimetic nondestructive dopamine chemistry was employed for surface modification of ND. FTIR and Raman spectroscopy studies revealed that self-polymerization of dopamine could produce thinner polydopamine (PDA) layers on the ND surface via spontaneous oxidation and the intermolecular cross-linking reaction of PDA molecules. The structure and morphology of PDA-ND were studied by FTIR, SEM, and Raman spectroscopy, which verified the π-π interactions between PDA and ND. The facile dispersion of PDA-ND in a polyamic acid prepolymer made it possible to obtain PI/ND composites with no obvious ND aggregation. The effect of PDA-ND nanoparticles on the thermal, mechanical and tribological properties of the resulting PI/PDA-ND composites were evaluated, and the results showed that the incorporation of PDA-ND could increase the hardness, tensile strength, storage modulus, as well as the wear resistance properties. PI/PDA-ND composites prepared in this study showed that PDA-ND is a promising nanoreinforcing filler for PI composites.