11 – Polymerization of liquid polymer matrix in free space environment

Publisher Summary Polymerization technology has not been used for creation of space construction. The problem of making large-size constructions can be solved by using the technology of the polymerization of fiber-filled composites and a reactionable matrix applied in free space or on another space body when space construction takes place over a long period of time. The problem is connected with specific conditions of the free space environment for polymer materials, which have a great destructive influence on polymer materials, especially on the liquid polymer matrix. This chapter discusses the polymerization processes in simulated free space environment conditions of low earth orbit (LEO) and geostationary earth orbit (GEO), which are of most interest for space constructions. In the free space the composite material is treated with a high vacuum, sharp temperature changes, plasma of free space formed by space rays, sun irradiation and atomic oxygen (on LEO), micrometeorite fluency, and microgravitation. Free space conditions can be simulated on Earth in a high vacuum chamber, plasma discharge, and ion beam implanter.