Project

Polymer Nanocomposites for Inflatable Space Structures

Preliminary  studies  have  been  carried  out  using  flexible  laminates prepared  from  different  types  of  PET  films  and  UHMWPE (Dyneema)  fabric  using  polyurethane  based  adhesive.  Peel strength,  Lap  shear  strength  and  helium  leak  rate  of  the  samples were  studied.  The  effect  of  plasma  treatment  of  Dyneema  fabric  on the  adhesion  properties  was  analyzed.  Discussions  held  with  ISRO scientists  provided  focus  to  the  subsequent  studies.   It  was  decided to  modify  the  adhesive  used  with  varied  loadings  of  nanoclay  to assess  the  barrier  and  mechanical  properties  of  the  resulting laminate