MICROORGANISM CONTAMINATION OF POLYMER AND COMPOSITE-MATERIALS USED IN-SPACE TECHNOLOGY

Results are presented on a preliminary study of the quantitative compo sition of microflora contaminating samples of materials and articles m ade of polymers and polymer composites used in space technology as wel l as data on the effectiveness of various methods of surface (''close- to-surface'') decontamination of polymer materials. The effect of some organic solvents on viability of vegetative and resting cells of some bacterial and micromycete cultures is elucidated. When organic glass was dissolved in acetone, polyimide film was separated into layers, an d textolite, fluoroplastic and caprolon were milled and filed, microor ganism contamination was found within the mass of these materials.