Evaporation of liquid components of a binder used for space composite materials into vacuum

Abstract

Currently, technologies are being developed for the creation of large space constructions by curing a prepreg of a composite material with a liquid binder directly in outer space. This raises the problem of evaporation of the active components of the binder into the vacuum of outer space. We study the evaporation of individual liquid components of binding agents that bond composite materials and are intended for use or have already been tested in space structures in orbit. The rates of evaporation into vacuum are determined in the working temperature range. It is shown that the outgassing test certified in space agencies cannot be applied to assess the possibility of using these components in the vacuum of outer space.