Can igus polymers survive in outer space?

Florian Schiller | 18. March 2022

Outer space has always been a fascinating place that mankind has been exploring for many years. All the machines and materials used “up there” have to contend with extreme conditions. In addition to extreme temperature fluctuations, incomprehensible distances and cosmic radiation, there is also a vacuum in space.

Two key challenges are discussed in this blog:

Vacuum

In most cases, the question of whether a material can be used in a vacuum boils down to the issue of outgassing behaviour. Most materials absorb moisture in some form and this varies according to the plastic. This moisture can come from liquids or from the air: if it is absorbed, for example during storage, it can be released again in the vacuum and impairs the quality of the vacuum or the surroundings. For such use, therefore, materials that absorb only very little moisture should preferably be chosen. We recommend here our iglidur X, which can also be used in vacuum almost without restrictions.

To prove this scientifically, we subjected iglidur X to an outgassing test according to ASTM E595.

The experiment was performed in a vacuum of 5 x 10^-5 Torr for 24 hours at 125°C. Subsequently, TML (total mass lost), CVCM (collected volatile condensable material) and WVR (water vapour recovered) were measured.

• The iglidur X has a TML of 0.1%, which is well below the limit for aerospace materials (1.0%).
• With a CVCM of <0.01%, iglidur X is also clearly below the threshold value of 0.1%.
• The WVR is 0.08%.

These are excellent results that recommend iglidur X for use in vacuum.

Temperature

Weather conditions in outer space are extreme in every respect. Already in the solar system – and even in Earth orbit – satellites are exposed to strong temperature fluctuations, depending on whether they are illuminated by the sun or are in the shade. The temperature can even drop to -270°C, which is only 3°C above absolute zero. However, this temperature is not reached in the satellites, probes, etc., because, on the one hand, enclosures provide insulation and, on the other hand, higher temperatures can prevail on sides facing the sun.

Thus, materials that can withstand extreme temperatures are needed to build machines that will be used in space.

This is another reason for the use of iglidur X: according to the igus catalogue, the material is approved for an upper application temperature of +315°C and a lower application temperature of -100°C. Thus iglidur X is an absolute temperature specialist.

In order to test the material under conditions similar to those in outer space, a test setup was made: iglidur X plain bearings were installed in an assembly and then moved in liquid nitrogen. Liquid nitrogen is a cryogenic liquid with a temperature of -198°C. Even under this extreme influence, the bearing worked without any problems and did not show any particular change.  

However, no endurance tests have yet been carried out under such conditions, so this information cannot be included in the catalogue.