Risk evaluation of chemical degradation of materials by high-velocity collision with inert gas molecules in upper atmosphere

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The possibility of materials erosion induced by heavy inert molecules in space environment was investigated. It was found that the 9 eV N2beam, which is the similar condition in space, was difficult to duplicate inthe laser-detonation facility due todissociation reaction of N2. The heavy inert gas collision in space was successfully simulated by Ar beam with collision energy of 9 eV. The mass-loss of fluoropolymer due to Ar beam exposure was clearlyobserved whereas polyimide did not erode at all. The presence of the heavy inert gas collision-induced erosion was identified and, thus, the necessity of consideration on the material loss of fluoropolymers in super-low altitude region was addressed.