Project Title:

Electrically Conductive, Atomic Oxygen Protective Coatings for Space Power Systems

92-1-10.09-7501                                                   NAS03-26907
Electrically Conductive, Atomic Oxygen Protective
     Coatings for Space Power Systems
J.A. Woollam Company
650 J Street, Suite 39
Lincoln, NE  68508
Duane E. Meyer                                       (402-477-7501)

Abstract:

     Spacecraft charging, thermal management, and atomic oxygen
(AO) degradation are spacecraft problems that are usually
independently addressed. The goal of this project will be to
demonstrate the effectiveness of coatings which simultaneously
conduct electric charge and heat and resist the atomic oxygen
degradation that occurs in the low earth orbit (LEO) environment.
Three candidate materials will be investigated: indium-tin-oxide
(ITO); titanium-nitride (TiN); and ruthenium-dioxide (RuO2). ITO
is a well-known, transparent conducting oxide used in display
technologies, but little is known about using ITU in space. TiN is
used for interconnects in microelectronics and is a better
electrical conductor than even pure Ti metal (nitrides are known
to resist oxidation). RuO2 is a metal with good electrical
conduction and an oxide that should resist further oxidation in
the LEO environment.

Potential Commercial Application:

Potential Commercial Applications:  Protective coatings,
especially those resisting oxidation and corrosion, have enormous
commercial uses. The coating developed on this project will have
improved thermal conduction, electrical conduction, and
environmental stability.

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