Polyimide/carbon nanotube composite films with a combination of properties including low color, atomic oxygen (AO) and ultra-violet (UV) radiation resistance, high g-lass transition temperatures, and high thermal stability have been prepared and characterized. Carbon nanotubes were added to the polymer in an attempt to impart sufficient electrical conductivity for static charge dissipation without increasing solar absorptivity. The polymer nanocomposites were prepared by reacting [2,4-bis(3-aminophenoxy)phenyl]diphenylphosphine oxide (3-APPO) and oxydiphthalic anhydride (ODPA) in a polar aprotic solvent in the presence of single walled carbon nanotubes and catalytic grown carbon Fibers. Thin films were subsequently cast and dried to form polyimide/carbon nanocomposites. These space environmentally durable composite Films are potentially useful in a variety of spacecraft applications such as thin film membranes on antennas, solar sails, large lightweight space optics, second-surface mirrors, thermal/optical coatings and multi-layer insulation blanket materials. The chemistry, physical and mechanical properties of the polymer nanocomposite films will be discussed.
