Experimental Study of Vacuum Ultraviolet Radiation Effects and Its Synergistic Effects with Atomic Oxygen on a Spacecraft Material-Polytetrafluoroethylene

Polytetrafluoroethylene (Teflon), a widely used spacecraft material, is studied to investigate the vacuum ultraviolet (VUV) effects and its synergistic effects with atomic oxygen (AO) in a ground based simulation facility. The samples before and after the experiments are compared in appearance, mass, optical properties and surface composition. The reaction characteristics of Teflon are summarized and the reaction mechanisms are analyzed. The following conclusion can be drawn: at the action of VUV the Teflon sample surface is darkened for the accumulation of carbon; and when the sample is exposed to AO, the carbon is oxidized and the darkening surface is bleached; the synergistic effects of VUV and AO may cause the erosion of Teflon more severe.