Development and evaluation of environmental protection garments (EPG) shell textiles for lunar exploration missions
Date
2024
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Publisher
University of Delaware
Abstract
Astronauts are not prepared for extended lunar exploration missions because the current Environmental Protection Garment (EPG) shell does not meet all of the requirements on the moon including extreme temperature, radiation, plasma, and regolith. The woven structure of Ortho-fabric has intra-yarn gaps that allow dust to penetrate, and the face-to-back ties create voids in the face allowing dust adhesion. This study explored the potential use of commercial needle-punched nonwovens and custom woven-nonwoven hybrid fabric structures for future EPG shells. Results showed commercial nonwoven fabrics had better dust penetration but worse strength and flexibility properties than Ortho-fabric. Alternatively, the woven-nonwoven hybrid fabric had no dust penetration and a lower total dust burden than Ortho-fabric. As well as a similar tensile strength and stronger flex and abrasion resistance than Ortho-fabric before UV exposure and a similar strength after UV exposure. The hybrid was less flexible and thicker than Ortho-fabric. Treatments like Shear Thickening Fluid (STF) and Superhydrophobic coatings improved dust resistance and UV degradation of the fabrics. The Hybrid fabric could be a good candidate for future EPG shells as it meets most of the requirements for future lunar exploration missions. ☐ Keywords: Nonwoven, polyimides, EPG, Ortho-fabric, STF, Textile Development
Description
Keywords
Environmental Protection Garment, Nonwovens, Polyimides, Shear Thickening Fluid, Textile development