ABSTRACT
The new adhesives were being used in place of the polysulfide filleting and film adhesives they replaced. Flexipoxy 100 film adhesive replaced the polysulfide film adhesive. Tom Sutherland conducted a study of how the new thermal transfer adhesives would fare in space over a spacecraft’s lifetime. Thermal stability is enhanced by increased cross-linking because severing one or two chains leaves another to hold the network together and the broken links may even reattach if the ends remain in close proximity. During the qualification process for Flexipoxy 100 film adhesive, it was deemed advisable to have stress analysts run a finite analysis of flatpacks bonded using the new adhesives. In addition to the use of Flexipoxy 100 film adhesive, some programs had used Uralane 7760 paste adhesive in conjunction with G-10 laminate to provide a physical barrier. The shear strength of Flexipoxy 100 film adhesive and Uralane 7760 at -34°C was important for the stress analysis.
