What are the applications of unidirectional polyimide film in the aerospace industry
Here we focus on the correct application of unidirectional (oriented) polyimide (PI) film in the aerospace field, highlighting its core advantages of directional strength, low shrinkage, and extreme environmental resistance. We provide clear explanations by scene classification:
Here we focus on the correct application of unidirectional (oriented) polyimide (PI) film in the aerospace field, highlighting its core advantages of directional strength, low shrinkage, and extreme environmental resistance. We provide clear explanations by scene classification:
1、 Flexible solar wings and photovoltaic systems
Flexible substrate/substrate: Unidirectional PI (including CPI transparent PI) film serves as the core substrate for flexible solar wings, replacing traditional rigid glass/ceramics; The orientation direction provides excellent anti folding fatigue and tensile strength, can be folded and stored, and significantly reduces the launch volume (such as Yunhai-3 02 satellite achieving a weight reduction of about 40% and a storage volume reduction of about 60%); Ultra thin yellow PI film is used as a cover layer (CIC) for solar cell arrays, which is resistant to low orbital atomic oxygen, ultraviolet radiation, and ± 150 ℃ temperature difference, protecting the cells from corrosion.
Solar wing deployment mechanism: Unidirectional PI film/composite tape is used for flexible connection and limiting of hinges and deployment arms, with anti creep orientation direction, ensuring the accuracy and reliability of multiple on orbit deployment/retraction.
2、 Spacecraft Thermal Control and Environmental Protection
Multi layer insulation components (MLI): Unidirectional PI aluminum/silver plated film serves as the reflective layer and spacer layer of MLI; The orientation structure reduces thermal shrinkage in orbit, with a reflectivity of over 95%, isolating solar radiation from deep cold backgrounds. It is used for satellite bodies, rocket bodies, and propulsion system pipelines; In low orbit scenarios, PI aluminum plated perforated film is used to achieve thermal insulation, atomic oxygen erosion prevention, and electrostatic discharge. A single star can reduce weight by 3-5kg.
Local thermal protection of engine and cabin: Unidirectional PI film (thick or composite reinforced) is used for the thermal shield lining of rocket combustion chambers and nozzles, which can withstand instantaneous high temperatures; The orientation direction is resistant to thermal deformation, preventing the film material from curling or delamination under thermal shock; Also used for insulation of low-temperature propellant pipelines to prevent icing.
Atomic oxygen/radiation protection: The surface of low orbit satellites is directly exposed to atomic oxygen. After surface modification (such as fluorine coating, metal coating), the unidirectional PI film has a lower atomic oxygen reaction rate and can be used as an external protective film alone, eliminating the need for complex multi-layer stacking structures.
3、 Insulation and Signal Guarantee of Aerospace Electronic Systems
High frequency/flexible cable and harness insulation: Unidirectional PI film serves as the sheath and wrapping insulation layer for spacecraft cables, with orientation ensuring no cracking or shrinkage under high temperature and vibration; Low dielectric constant (<3), small loss tangent (<0.005), maintaining high-frequency signal integrity, suitable for wiring in inter satellite links, measurement and control systems, and precision instruments inside the cabin.
Flexible antenna and RF substrate: Unidirectional PI film is used as the substrate for flexible deployable antennas (such as flat panel antennas and spiral antennas), providing structural stiffness in the orientation direction, and can be curled and stored to maintain shape stability after in orbit deployment; Low dielectric properties reduce signal reflection and attenuation, improving communication distance and bandwidth.
Electronic component packaging and substrate: used for flexible printed circuits (FPC) for satellites/spacecraft, insulation layer for chip level packaging, unidirectional orientation to prevent thermal expansion, matching the thermal expansion coefficient of metals/semiconductors, and reducing solder joint stress failure; Resistant to space radiation and vacuum environment, does not cause gas pollution to optical equipment.
4、 Structural and attitude control auxiliary components
Flexible separation tape/explosion bolt buffer: Unidirectional PI film/composite tape is used for buffering and sealing between rocket stages, satellite and rocket body separation, with anti impact orientation to prevent debris splashing; Simultaneously possessing high temperature resistance and insulation properties, avoiding arc damage during the separation process.
Attitude control torque converter and solar panel drive: Unidirectional PI film serves as an electrical insulation liner, and the orientation structure ensures dimensional stability under long-term micro vibration, improving control accuracy.
5、 Optics and Remote Sensing Systems
Stray light blocking film: a black unidirectional PI film with an oriented structure to ensure a smooth film surface, used as a light shield and inner wall for remote sensing satellite cameras and star sensors to absorb stray light and improve imaging clarity; Resistant to vacuum and radiation, does not fade or fog.
Optical component protection window: Ultra thin unidirectional PI film is used for temporary protection or lightweight optical windows, with tensile orientation to prevent large-scale fragmentation caused by the impact of micrometeoroids.
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