The short version of the video on YouTube

The short stratospheric flight video is now on YouTube:
http://youtu.be/CKEJ4BdC7gk

University of Sydney news about the flight

School of Physics, University of Sydney news about our stratospheric flight:
http://sydney.edu.au/news/physics/1737.html?newsstoryid=10730

Launch of stratospheric balloon. Video from mini-camera installed on the cassette

The video was recorded only 21 minutes of the flight. At 5 km altitude the batteries become frozen. The highest altitude of the balloon was 27 km.

http://www.physics.usyd.edu.au/~alexey/REC_0001%20flight.AVI

It does not work in some viewers. Please, use VLC or similar. 

Snapshot: uncured prepreg in the stratospheric flight

The mini camera installed on the cassette recorded a video during the launch. The snapshot shows a part of the prepreg in the cassette over South Australia fields.

Experiment on polymerisation in stratosphere.

Last Sunday (25.11.2012) we have sent our cassette with uncured composite in stratosphere.

Konrad Schneider is holding the cassette. We tested the heater of the cassette in air and vacuum (20 Torrs) conditions.

The cassette contained uncured epoxy and polyether compositions with thermo and UV curable compounds.

The cassette was part of payload of stratospheric balloon in Horus project. 

Filling with helium.

Moving to field.

Balloon and payloads are ready. 

Three boxes of payload and the balloon in Adelaide sky.

Final altitude was about 27 km. 

Project title “Polymerisation in the Stratosphere”

We are looking for partners to make a stratospheric flight experiment

The aim: The development of polymeric material that is curable in free space environment for use as structural components in large space constructions.

Background: Future space exploration will require large light-weight structures for habitats, greenhouses, space bases, space factories and so on. A new approach enabling large-size constructions in space relies on the use of the technology of the polymerization of fiber-filled composites with a curable polymer matrix applied in the free space environment. For example, a fabric impregnated with a long-life matrix (prepreg) can be prepared in terrestrial conditions and, after folding, can be shipped in a container to orbit and unfolded there by inflating. Then the matrix polymerization reaction is initiated producing a durable composite wall or frame. Using such an approach, there are no restrictions on the frame size and form of the construction in space and the number of deployment missions is kept at a minimum.

In free space the material is exposed to high vacuum, dramatic temperature changes, plasma of free space due to cosmic rays, sun irradiation and atomic oxygen (in low Earth orbit), micrometeorite fluence, electric charging and microgravitation. The development of appropriate polymer matrix composites requires an understanding of the chemical processes of polymer matrix curing under the specific free space conditions to be encountered.

Previous studies: Our preliminary studies of the polymerization process in high vacuum, space plasma and subject to temperature variations indicate that for specific prepeg preparations the polymerization process is likely to be successful in free space and that the composite cured in a free space environment will have satisfactory mechanical properties. However, the curing processes are sensitive to free space factors such as high vacuum, flux of high energy particles and temperature variations encountered.

Particularly pertinent observations from our previous work include:

·      The evaporation of the active components can stop the curing reaction and evaporation can cause bubble formation in the curing polymer matrix and compromise the mechanical properties of the cured matrix.

·      Fluxes of high energy particles in space irradiation can destroy macromolecules and create free radicals, which can accelerate the curing kinetics and strengthen the composite.

·      Temperature variations change dramatically the curing kinetics and evaporation process.

(For details see A. Kondyurin, Curing of composite materials for an inflatable construction on the Moon, chapter in “Moon. Prospective Energy and Material Resources”, Springer-Verlag, Berlin, 2012; A. Kondyurin, M. Bilek, Ion Beam Treatment of Polymers. Application aspects from medicine to space, Elsevier, Oxford, 2008; Kondyurin A., B. Lauke, R. Vogel, Photopolymerisation of composite material in simulated free space environment at low Earth orbital flight, European Polymer Journal 42 (2006) 2703–2714; Kondyurin A., B.Lauke, E.Richter: Polymerization Process of Epoxy Matrix Composites under Simulated Free Space Conditions, High Performance Polymers. 16, 2004, p. 163 – 175; Kondyurin A.V., Building the shells of large space stations by the polymerisation of epoxy composites in open space, Int. Polymer Sci. and Technol., v.25, N4, 1998, p. 78-80).

Our preliminary studies show, that the curing process can proceed and a durable composite material can be polymerized under simulated free space conditions. However in a laboratory environment it is not possible to simulate accurately the combinations of factors observed in space in order to assess how the various influences couple. To develop the appropriate polymer matrix composition for use in a particular free space environment, the effects of the prevailing free space conditions acting together must be taken into account. In 2010 we carried out the flight experiment with uncured composite in stratosphere during NASA balloon mission and showed, that the effect of cosmic rays on crosslinking of the uncured composite is significant and well observed. More detailed investigations of the curing process under real free space conditions, where all these free space factors act simultaneously during the curing process are required.

Scientific goal of the stratospheric flight experiment:

The goal of the experiment is an investigation of the effect of the stratospheric conditions on the polymerization process in the polymer matrix of the composite material. Stratospheric conditions are expected to have a unique impact on chemical processes in polymer materials. The unique combination of low atmospheric pressure, high energy cosmic rays, high intensity UV radiation including short wavelength UV, diurnal temperature variations and other aspects associated with solar irradiation has strong influence on chemical processes in polymeric materials. Since such conditions can not be adequately simulated in the laboratory, it is difficult to predict the impact on curing chemistry which is particularly important in designing polymers which could be shaped and cured in space for large scale structural applications.

Project plan:

The experiment involves expositing a cassette containing polymer samples to the local environment during the stratospheric balloon flights. The samples consist of uncured polymer matrix and carbon/glass fibers. The polymer matrix is activated by stratospheric conditions (temperature and sun irradiation) and the chemical polycondensation reaction is initiated. Control samples, which have been cured or partially reacted prior to the flight will be included in the cassette. After the flight, the samples will be returned to the laboratory and analysed by spectral, chemical and mechanical methods. The concentration of active components, the stage the reaction reached in each composite, structure of the polymer, degradation of polymer macromolecules, crosslinking, oxidation and mechanical properties will be analysed. To help understand how the conditions couple, a parallel set of samples will be exposed to similar vacuum levels, UV light and temperature variations in laboratory experiments. These samples will be analysed in the same way as those exposed in the space flights and the results compared.

The cassette holding samples to be exposed in space has a mass of about 1 kg and dimensions with the cover installed of about 200x100x100 mm³. The total mass of the samples is about 100 g. The samples will be placed into the cassette before the flight and sealed by a cover. The cassette is to be placed and fixed on the external side (outside) of the balloon’s cabin, preferably on the sun irradiated side. The control cassettes with the same samples will remain on Earth in the laboratory.

During launching the cover of the cassette will be opened and the samples will be exposed to the stratospheric environment during the flight. Expected conditions are the following: a pressure of about 1-2 Torr, a temperature on the sunny side in the range of +80…90⁰C (during day light 12-14 hours) and -70…80⁰C (night time), a solar flux of 1300 W/m². The required flight time is 1 day or more.

The temperature, pressure and UV light intensity at the cassette will be recorded during the mission. For measurement, the cassette will be equipped with a thermistor, manometer, radiometer and a UV sensor. The data of temperature, pressure, radiation and UV light intensity will be recorded and sent to laboratory after landing.

After landing, the cassette with samples and the records of flight conditions are to be sent to the laboratory for analysis.

The chemically active polymer composition corresponds to safety rules for stratospheric flights: non-toxic, non-flammable and non-explosive.

Preferably, the experiment will be repeated during some flights because, the flight conditions may be different in individual flights. The deviation of flight conditions during different flights (temperature, irradiation exposure, pressure) will be used for analysis of kinetics of the chemical reactions. The cassette will be loaded with new samples for each flight.

Managing of the cassette operation and data recording during flight:

The cassette operation (opening and closing of the cover) can be done on command from Earth or automatically triggered by a pressure sensor to correlate with the altitude of the balloon flight.

The temperature, UV light intensity and pressure sensors can be installed in the cassette or data can be used from common sensors installed on the balloon. In the second case, the temperature, UV light intensity and pressure data must be recorded during the whole flight.

Publications about polymerisation in space environment

The idea of the direct curing in space environment came to me about 18 years ago. At that time, I was not sure, if it was done or it is impossible. All these years have been spent to get clear answer: yes, it is possible, but no, it is not done.

I met these two comments as reaction on my presentations and publications. People, who are far from space business, say, “it is done, and even ISS is done by this way!” People, who work in space industry, say, “this is impossible, but I do not know why?” All of these comments are not true.

During these years, I was carrying out a number of investigations, including experiments and theoretical calculations. Part of the results have been published and presented on conferences in different auditoriums and countries.

First time, a general way of direct curing was discussed in Russian journal “Plastic mass” (1997, No.8) and republished in English in “International Polymer Science and Technology”: Kondyurin A.V., Building the shells of large space stations by the polymerisation of epoxy composites in open space, Int. Polymer Sci. and Technol., v.25, N4, 1998, p. 78-80.

After that the further results have been published in a number of journals:

Kondyurin A., G.Mesyats, Yu.Klyachkin, Creation of High-Size Space Station by Polymerisation of Composite Materials in Free Space, J. of the Japan Soc. of Microgravity Appl., v.15, Suppl.II, 1998, p.61-65.

Kondyurin A., Kostarev K., Bagara M.V., Polymerization processes of epoxy plastic in free space conditions, Paper IAF-99-I.5.04, 50th International Astronautical Congress 4-8- Oct., 1999, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.

Briskman V., A.Kondyurin, K.Kostarev, V.Leontyev, M.Levkovich, A.Mashinsky, G.Nechitailo, T.Yudina, Polymerization in microgravity as a new process in space technology, Paper № IAA-97-IAA.12.1.07, 48th International Astronautical Congress, October 6-10, 1997, Turin Italy

Kondyurin A., High-size space laboratory for biological orbit experiments, Advanced space research, v.28, N4, 2001, pp.665-671

Kondyurin A., Kostarev K., Bagara M., Polymerization processes of epoxy plastic in simulated free space conditions, Acta Astronautica, vol.48, N2-3, 2001, pp.109-113

Briskman V.A., Yudina T.M., Kostarev K.G., Kondyurin A.V., Leontyev V.B., Levkovich M.G., Mashinsky A.L., Nechitailo G.S., Polymerization in microgravity as a new process in space technology, Acta Astronautica, vol.48, N2-3, 2001, pp.169-180.

Kondyurin A., Lauke B., Polymerisation processes in simulated free space conditions, Proceedings of the 9th International Symposium on Materials in a Space Environment, Noordwijk, The Netherlands, 16-20 June, 2003, ESA SP-540, September 2003, pp.75-80

Kondyurin A., B. Lauke, I. Kondyurina and E. Orba, Creation of biological module for self-regulating ecological system by the way of polymerization of composite materials in free space, Advances in Space Research, 2004, v. 34/7, p. 1585-1591.

Kondyurin A., B.Lauke, E.Richter: Polymerization Process of Epoxy Matrix Composites under Simulated Free Space Conditions, High Performance Polymers. 16, 2004, p. 163 – 175.

Kondyurin A., B.Lauke: Curing of liquid epoxy resin in plasma discharge, European Polymer Journal. 40/8, 2004, p. 1915 – 1923.

Kondyurin A., B. Lauke, R. Vogel, Photopolymerisation of composite material in simulated free space environment at low Earth orbital flight, European Polymer Journal 42 (2006) 2703–2714.

Kondyurina I., A. Kondyurin, B. Lauke, L. Figiel, R. Vogel, U. Reuter, Polymerisation of composite materials in space environment for development of a Moon base, Advances in space research, 37, 2006, p.109-115.

A. Kondyurin, B. Lauke, R. Vogel, G. Nechitailo, Kinetics of photocuring of matrix of composite material under simulated conditions of free space, Plasticheskie massi, 2007, v.11, pp.50-55.

A.V.Kondyurin, G.S.Nechitailo, Composite material for Inflatable Structures Photocured under Space Flight Conditions, Cosmonautics and rockets, 3 (56), 182-190, 2009.

A.V.Kondyurin, L.A.Komar, A.L.Svistkov, Modelling of curing of composite materials for the inflatable structure of a lunar space base, Journal on Composite Mechanics and Design, 15 (4), 512-526, 2009.

A.V.Kondyurin, L.A.Komar, A.L.Svistkov, Modelling of curing reaction kinetics in composite material based on epoxy matrix, Journal on Composite Mechanics and Design, vol. 16, no. 4, pp. 597-611, 2010.

A. Kondyurin, M. Bilek, Etching and structure transformations in uncured epoxy resin under rf-plasma and plasma immersion ion implantation, Nuclear Instruments and Methods in Physics Research, B 268, 1568–1580, 2010.

A. Kondyurin, Direct Curing of Polymer Construction Material in Simulated Earth’s Moon Surface Environment, Journal of spacecraft and rockets, V. 48, No. 2, pp.378-384, 2011.

A.V.Kondyurin, L.A.Komar, L.A. Svistkov, Modeling of the kinetics of the curing reaction of the epoxy binder-based composite material, Nanomechanics science and technology: An international journal, vol.2, issue 2, 167-183, 2011.

A. Kondyurin, L.A. Komar, A.L. Svistkov, Combinatory model of curing process in epoxy composite, Composites, part B, 43, 616–620, 2012.

In my two books:

A. Kondyurin, Curing of composite materials for an inflatable construction on the Moon, chapter in “Moon. Prospective Energy and Material Resources”, Springer-Verlag, Berlin, 2012, p. 503-518.

A. Kondyurin, M. Bilek, Ion Beam Treatment of Polymers. Application aspects from medicine to space, Elsevier, Oxford, 2008

In Cornell University Arxiv.org site:

A. Kondyurin, I. Kondyurina, M. Bilek, Composite materials with uncured epoxy matrix exposed in stratosphere during NASA stratospheric balloon flight, http://arxiv.org/pdf/1008.5236

A. Kondyurin, I. Kondyurina, M. Bilek, Radiation damage of polyethylene exposed in the stratosphere at an altitude of 40 km, http://arxiv.org/pdf/1109.5457v1

The recent experiment has been done on the curing in stratosphere. First time, it was shown, that cosmic rays play role of additional hardener for the polymer. Space makes polymer harder. This real flight experiment supported previous laboratory investigations and made me sure, that it will work in real space flight.

If you are interested in and do not have subscription for these journals, please, ask me, I will send you a copy.