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: 2. Microstructure and surface composition

Abstract

The microstructure and composition of KMU-4l sheets and glued samples (carbon-fiber-reinforced plastic KMU-4l/VK-9 glue/Mg6 alloy) with surface modified by fiberglass fabric before and after long-term exposure (12 years) in space environment as a part of the Komplast 10-1 panels on the exterior surface of the functional cargo unit of the International Space Station are examined. It is revealed that the microstructure and elemental composition of the examined samples in the reference panels and in the panels exposed at the international space station differ insignificantly. The protective cover TR-SO-2 put on modified carbon-fiber-reinforced plastic KMU-4l protects its microstructure and decreases the damaging impact of micrometeoroids. The obtained results on microstructure and composition of sheet and glued samples of modified carbon-fiber-reinforced plastic KMU-4l make it possible to conclude that this material maintains (since its microstructure is stable) its high operating stability against the impacts of outer space when a fiberglass fabric and/or protective coating is present on the surface of the composite.