Results of studies into the properties of carbon fiber-reinforced plastics based on various polymer binders, viewed as candidates for manufacturing structures for space hardware

Selected for manufacturing structures of space hardware that have to bear high loads (primary structure of the front heat shield, aerodynamic shell, propulsion section body and pressurized habitable compartment) are composite materials - carbon fib er-reinforced plastics that have high specific strength and stiffness as compared with traditional structural materials. This article provides results of experimental studies on carbon plastics based on various carbon filler and polymer binders: PSB250/A, PSB250/B, PSB250/V, 22500/NIKAM-RS, KMKU-4m.175, KMU-4E, KMKU3.150.E01. The studies resulted in determining the following properties: mechanical, thermal, optical, electrical, off-gassing level in vacuum, material samples leakage using helium/air mixture, safe use parameters, including toxicology and fire safety and microbiological resistance. These properties are required for the design analysis of the above structures.