The structure and composition of samples made of carbon-fiber-reinforced plastic KMU-4l exposed for 12 years on the exterior surface of the International Space Station: 1. Macrostructure and surface composition

Abstract

The experimental data on macrostructure, composition, and weight losses of unique KMU-4l carbon-fiber-reinforced plastic samples with surface modified by fiberglass fabric subjected to long-term exposure (12 years) in space environment as a part of Komplast 10-1 panels on the exterior surface of the functional cargo unit of the International Space Station are presented in the paper. Research results are obtained for the first time by methods of visual examination, gravimetric analysis, digital photography, optical microscopy, and energy-dispersion X-ray spectroscopy. It is shown that the studied macrostructural characteristics, mass loss, and elemental composition of modified carbon-fiber-reinforced plastic differ insignificantly for the reference and exposed test samples, i.e., the composite materials are characterized by stable macrostructural, physical, and chemical properties.