The invention will also be useful for other devices
Russian scientists have developed a unique protective coating for spacecraft. The invention is capable of protecting the surface of aircraft from external influences, in particular from thermal and short-wave ultraviolet radiation from the Sun. It can also be used for devices that operate in conditions of increased radiation or electromagnetic background.
As MK found out, employees of the Public Joint Stock Company Rocket and Space Corporation Energia named after S.P. Korolev patented a method for manufacturing a protective coating for the surfaces of space objects.
As the authors of the invention explain, during the flight in space, the aircraft is affected by many negative effects — such as temperature changes, deep vacuum, intense ionizing radiation. Also, the thermal and short-wave ultraviolet radiation of the Sun has a dangerous effect. The new invention makes it possible to form a coating on the surface of aircraft that can protect them from thermal and short-wave radiation. To do this, it is necessary to apply a layer of a certain thickness and viscosity, then form grooves, and spray a composition on top that forms a unique thermoregulating coating. The resulting coating has a low solar radiation absorption coefficient — this will help ensure long-term operation of spacecraft.
The patented manufacturing method is carried out as follows. Before the process, a layer of primer and a layer of white enamel are applied successively to the metal surface. After drying, the enamel is protected with sandpaper, creating roughness with risks from 15 to 45 microns deep. Then the surface is blown with compressed air and wiped with distilled water. The range of thicknesses of primer and enamel layers is selected in such a way that, on the one hand, to obtain the required thickness, and on the other hand, not to exceed the allowable mass of the coating. A silicate layer, which is a composition of barium sulfate with the addition of barium or lithium aluminate and distilled water, is applied twice to the cleaned enamel layer using a spray gun. An aircraft with such a coating will be protected from dangerous external influences while in space.
Such a surface coating formula can be used not only in space. Scientists suggest that the invention will also be useful for other devices, including those operating with an increased electromagnetic or radiation background.