Characterisation of electron surface emission from space used polymers after irradiation

We have been able to demonstrate that polymers are submitted, after irradiation, to electron emission from their surface during the relaxation phase. This electron emission presents a very low relaxation kinetics and can be intense enough to contribute at significant level to the surface potential drop of these materials. This mechanism is strongly dependent on the energy of the incident electrons. The influence of charge double layer and the creation of high electric field at the surface vicinity could especially explain electron diffusion to the surface and enable the electrons to cope with the surface potential barrier and be extracted from the material.