Modification of Thermal Control Paints by PHOTOSIL™ Technology

A study was conducted at UTIAS/ITL to use the recently developed PHOTOSIL™ technology [1] for fast atomic oxygen (FAO) erosion resistance improvement of polymer-based thermal control paints. A modified version of PHOTOSIL™ process was used to treat the painted samples. Aeroglaze A276 white paint, Aeroglaze Z306 black polyurethane coating and epoxy-polyamide primer were used in the study. The paints were applied to stainless steel coupons, approximately 50 (im thick. White paints for thermal control application are generally used on the outer surfaces and black paints on internal spacecraft components.