Novel Low Temperature Coating Method for Environment-Resistant Coatings on Polymers

Polybenzoxazole polymers, including polyphenylenebenzobisoxazole (PBO) in particular, are under development for use in a wide variety of aerospace applications due to their remarkable tensile strength, modulus, and flame resistance. These materials are of particular interest due to their high strength-to-weight ratio, which allows for a dramatic weight savings when replacing conventional structures. This is particularly significant for in-space applications such as satellites. Satellite components are exposed to potentially damaging impingements, such as ultraviolet (UV) light, atomic oxygen, and fast-moving particles. There is a need for PBO coatings that can increase the functional lifetime of the polymer in the harsh space environment. In ongoing, complementary work, Ultramet introduced a unique and innovative chemical vapor deposition (CVD) technology that relies upon UV activation of the CVD process rather than conventional thermal activation. This low temperature deposition route is ideally suited for coating substrates with relatively low thermal stability, such as PBO. The objective of the proposed project is to assess the viability of this innovative process for scaleable production of coatings that could be effectively used for government and commercial satellite components.