Plastics Know No Bounds: Engineering Polymers for Satellites in Outer Space

• • Prof. Timothy E. Long, Professor & Biodesign SM3 Center Director, School of Molecular Sciences Arizona State University
  • Sponsored by Golden Gate Polymer Forum
  • Feb. 4th, 2 pm, Online, Free/$5 donation, Registration required by Feb. 3rd at 1 pm

Abstract

There are nearly 15,000 active and inactive satellites orbiting in low earth orbit (LEO) today and the total number continues to grow exponentially; most of these high-performance polymer-containing space structures were launched only in the past five years.1 Satellites enable many critical activities on Earth from GPS navigation and global communication to weather forecasting and military operations. Satellites make the world a smaller place, however, now is the time to impose lenses of sustainability and resiliency. Their outer space performance demands polymeric compositions that resist harsh environments from radiation and atomic oxygen exposure to extreme temperature changes and reactive particle impact. All aromatic polyimides, poly(arylene ether ketones), polyarylates, various fluorinated polymers, and their corresponding composites collectively provide this exquisite performance. Furthermore, engineering polymers replace heavier metallic structures to minimize energy consumption, enable precision form factors, and ensure a metal-free safer demise upon atmospheric reentry, e.g., aromatic polymers convert to carbon at high temperatures. Our research has focused on the printing of high-performance engineering polymers whose thermal, rheological, and chemical characteristics generally complicate legacy processing modalities; however, 3D printing micron-scale precursors allows polymerization in the printed structure with process intensification. Aromatic polyimides and polyethers offer exceptional thermal, chemical, flame, and radiation resistance for many emerging transportation, electronic, and aerospace applications. Printed aromatic polyimides enable conversion to carbonaceous objects upon pyrolysis as confirmed with various measurements. The lecture will conclude with the potential for solvent-free polyimide ionic liquid precursors, thus envisioning a light-driven polyimide manufacturing process for outer space.

1. Outer Space Objects Index, United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA).

Speaker Background

Tim received his Ph.D. in Chemistry from Virginia Tech, and he subsequently joined both Eastman Kodak and Eastman Chemical companies for eight years upon graduation. He joined the faculty in the Department of Chemistry at Virginia Tech, where he also served as the Director of the Macromolecules Innovation Institute until 2019. In 2020, Prof. Long accepted an interdisciplinary faculty position across the School of Molecular Sciences (SMS) and the School for Engineering Matter, Transport, and Energy (SEMTE) at Arizona State University (ASU) where he launched and now leads the Biodesign Center for Sustainable Macromolecular Materials and Manufacturing (BCSM3). In addition to over 450 peer-reviewed publications, his research awards include the 2023 3M Excellence in Adhesion Award, 2022 Paul J Flory Award, 2020 Virginia Outstanding Faculty Award, 2015 Virginia Scientist of the Year, 2010 Virginia Tech Alumni Research Award, ACS PMSE Collaborative Research Award, PSTC Carl Dahlquist Award, 2019 ACS Rubber Division Thermoplastic Elastomer Award, and the ACS POLY Mark Scholar Award. His most recent research efforts address the need for tailored advanced macromolecules for advanced manufacturing (3D printing), including vat photopolymerization, direct ink write, binder jetting, powder bed fusion, and melt extrusion. His research ranges from controlled polymerization processes for block copolymers to high performance engineering polymers for emerging technology with a lens of earth sustainability.