Ground‐based Atomic Oxygen Tests of Pristine and Protected polymeric Threads

Silicon impregnation and glass fabric coatings were used to increase the resistance of polymeric threads to the impact by atomic oxygen. The protected samples were exposed to atomic oxygen with fluencies of up to 1022 cm−2 and the results of these studies are presented. For unprotected materials a sharp fall in mechanical properties and a deterioration of optical characteristics were observed. The application of protective coatings is shown to reduce this degradation.