AO-resistant properties of polyimide fibers containing phosphorous groups in main chains

A series of polyimide fibers containing phosphorus element derived from (3-aminophenyl) methyl phosphine oxide (DAMPO) diamine was exposed to an artificial atomic oxygen environment which simulated the space environment in low earth orbit (LEO). The mass loss, surface morphology, chemical composition, and mechanical properties of the fibers before and after atomic oxygen (AO) exposure were compared in detail with a blank sample. Results showed that the phosphor-containing fibers demonstrated lower mass change and less tensile strength reduction. SEM results showed that the fibers with phosphorous element had relatively dense surface after AO exposure. Meanwhile, XPS results indicated that a passivated phosphate layer, which could protect the following under-layer from attacking by AO, was formed on the surface of the fibers. These results indicated that the incorporation of diamine (DAMPO) into the main chains could protect the fibers for avoiding further erosion from AO exposure. Hence, the phosphor-containing PI fibers exhibits potential application in space fields.