Space durable polymer threads

A unique polymer called TOR(TM) is being developed for use in twisted and b raided sewing threads that exhibits excellent space durability in compariso n with other organic polymers. Existing organic polymer threads for applica tions in low Earth orbit (LEO) can suffer significant erosion from the comb ined effects of atomic oxygen and vacuum ultraviolet radiation which compro mise their mechanical and physical properties over time [1-3]. Several type s of thread used to stitch multilayer insulation (MLI) blankets have limite d lifespans due to these environmental effects. In ground-based testing con ducted at Marshall Space Flight Center, TOR threads-showed much lower mass loss, and retained significantly more strength after AO simulation than man y competing materials. This paper discusses the processing of TOR into fibres, the braiding of TOR around an inner Kevlar(R) core, characterization of the fibre to date, and potential applications for this product.