Satellite Charge Suppression with Carbon Nanofibers

"During this project, Applied Sciences, Inc. (ASI), and its strategic allies, seek to exploit the unique combination of electrical and dimensional properties found in carbon nanofibers to minimize both differential and absolute charging of satellites, andthe dangers presented by such charging. Methods to be developed include: 1) incorporation of nanofibers into the dielectric materials commonly used in satellite (e.g., KaptonO, TeflonO, and FR4 circuit board material) to allow these materials to bleedcharge directly, 2) intercalation of nanofibers with compounds that enhance secondary electron emission, and 3) exploitation of nanofiber field emission properties to eject electrons when certain voltage thresholds are exceeded. Current forms ofconductive KaptonO have problems with reduced mechanical properties and electrical failure due to matrix expansion during extremes of thermal cycling. The high aspect ratio of the nanofibers will overcome these difficulties, providing reliableconductivity over a wide temperature range without degradation of mechanical properties. The final product will be a class of materials that simultaneously exploit all three channels of charge mitigation cited above."