Novel Multifunctional Space Durable Fluoropolymers and Composites

Triton Systems Inc. with Prof. Dennis W. Smith, Jr. of Clemson University, proposes a Phase II STTR Program to develop new and unique Multi-Functional Space Durable Fluoropolymers and Composites for use by the Air Force and US space communities that willhave properties of stability, thermal control, transparency, and conductivity for ESD - potentially beyond those properties of state of the art space films and resins. The Phase I STR Program (AF00T-016)demonstrated the viability of developing these newfluoro-space films. On Phase I we synthesized and characterized eight new PFCB's (per-fluoroctyclobutane) polymers, including two PFCB-phosphine oxides (PPO-1 and PPO-2 that are AO-resistant. These are all made by thermal step-growth addition-typepolymerization or co-polymerzation of monomers and by blending. We demonstrated high performance and AO (atomic oxygen) stability - and demonstrated CNT (carbon nanotube) conductivity with transmission, traceable to self-ESD (electrostatic discharge) inspace. On Phase II, year 1 we will down-select to a final Space durable conductive polymer using improved performance synthetic and processing procedures-within the Montreal protocol. On Phase II, Year #2, we will produce pre-prototype films andcomposites, and will engage in scale up testin with AF, NASA, and space house partners.