Materials for Space Applications : 2004 MRS Fall Meeting Symposium Proceedings

evere-environment survivability is the key factor in the development of new space materials. These materials must exhibit excellent physical properties accompanied by lightweight, reusability, and multifunctional capabilities, or must be related to processes that involve either low-energy consumption or a highly efficient method of energy storage, conversion or production. This volume offers a scientific and technical discussion and analysis of modifications induced by extreme conditions of the space environment, such as ionizing particles, extreme temperatures, atomic oxygen, and electromagnetic radiation in materials. Many contributions focus on polymers and composites based on polymeric matrices. This trend reflects the need for lightweight materials with potential multifunctional, self-healing, or smart capabilities. A distinct number of contributions focus on the effect of the space environment and of the simulated space environment on materials. The effect of ionizing radiations and electromagnetic radiation on polymers and composite materials is reviewed in detail. The stability of polymeric materials against the atomic oxygen attack¿of importance for low earth orbits and geostationary orbits¿is also analyzed in depth. Safety issues require accurate estimations of the reliability of space materials and, in particular, of nanomaterials and associated devices. The role of these materials in future space projects such as the solar sail and the space elevator, as well as in near future missions (to Moon and Mars), is addressed. Topics include: nanomaterials for space applications; carbon nanotubes and composites based on carbon nanotubes; dosimetry and nanodosimetry; multifunctional materials; radiation effects in composite materials; irradiation effects in materials for space applications; polymers in space; space-induced degradation of materials; magnetic materials for space applications; and materials in extreme environments.Chipara, Mircea is the author of 'Materials for Space Applications : 2004 MRS Fall Meeting Symposium Proceedings', published 2009 under ISBN 9781558997998 and ISBN 1558997997.