Investigation Of Enviro- Mental Effects On CSM-Based Modified Carbonyl Iron Powder Coatings

The chlorosulfonated polyethylene-based modified carbonyl iron powder absorbing coatings are widely used in military and civil affair. In order to give reference to application of this coating in space environment and to improve its capability and adaptability, the aging mechanism of the coating in several conditions, such as high vacuum, low temperature, ozone exposure and UV radiation were investigated in the paper.The SEM, XRD, FT-IR, DSC and TG were used to investigate the effects of high vacuum, low temperature, ozone and UV on the microstructures and absorbing wave performances of the coatings.The results showed that mass loss rates of the CSM- based modified carbonyl iron powder coatings were less than 1% in vacuum for 48 hours. The coating showed cracks and even broke off the aluminium board in liquid nitrogen. The CSM in the coatings were oxidized and decomposed to small molecules, such as ketone, sulphonic acid ester and sulphoacid after long time exposure in ozone. Ozone exposure didn't change the phase composition of the carbonyl iron powder and had little influence on the radar absorbing curve of the coating. After UV radiation, the chlorosulfonation groups in CSM were decomposed and its microstructures were changed. But UV radiation had little influence on the radar absorbing curve of the coating.