Case Study
Space
In the space sector, weight reduction is even more critical than in the aerospace sector. At the same time, components must maintain their shape and performance even under harsh conditions with large temperature fluctuations. Thermal-related material properties, such as heat resistance, thermal protection, and thermal conductivity, are also essential. Mitsubishi Chemical offers a range of carbon fiber reinforced plastics (CFRP) and related technologies designed with the space environment in mind.
Zero-CTE Components Enabled by High-Modulus Pitch-Based Carbon Fiber
In space, structural components for optical equipment are exposed to significant temperature changes and therefore require extremely high dimensional stability. This is especially important for space telescopes and optical communication equipment, where even slight thermal deformation can lead to optical-axis misalignment or focal shift. For this reason, material design that suppresses thermal expansion is essential.
Mitsubishi Chemical’s high-modulus pitch-based carbon fiber has a negative coefficient of thermal expansion. By combining this carbon fiber with resin, it is possible to design “zero-CTE” CFRP with a coefficient of thermal expansion close to zero. Zero-CTE CFRP combines lightweight properties with high dimensional stability, making it suitable for applications that require high-precision optical performance, including satellites, space telescopes, and structural support components for optical equipment.
Composite materials combining ultra-high-modulus pitch-based carbon fiber with the cyanate ester resin matrix “#290” are increasingly being used for high-precision components such as space telescopes.
By minimizing dimensional changes even under harsh thermal environments, these materials contribute to stable observation and communication performance in space.
Heat-Resistant, Thermal Protection, and Thermal Management Materials
In space applications, in addition to weight reduction and dimensional stability for structural components, thermal performance is also a critical requirement. Materials used for spacecraft external structures, thermal protection components, and heat dissipation components around electronic systems must provide heat resistance, thermal protection, and thermal conductivity according to the intended application.
Mitsubishi Chemical offers CFRP for heat-resistant and thermal protection applications, as well as high heat-resistant materials such as C/C and C/SiC composites, taking advantage of the design flexibility of carbon fiber reinforced plastics. These materials are expected to be applied to components that must withstand the thermal loads of spacecraft, as well as structural components used in extreme environments.
Thermal management is also important for electronic devices installed in satellites and spacecraft, where heat must be efficiently dissipated within limited space. Pitch-based carbon fibers and their composite materials, which provide high thermal conductivity, are effective material solutions for applications that require both weight reduction and heat dissipation performance.
Cyanate Ester Resin Prepreg “#290” /
Thermoplastic Carbon Fiber Prepreg “Kyron™ULTRA”
When using CFRP in space applications, not only the performance of the carbon fiber itself but also the properties of the matrix resin combined with it are important. By appropriately combining carbon fiber with matrix resin, materials can be designed to meet the requirements of space applications.
Cyanate Ester Resin Prepreg “#290” brings out the characteristics of carbon fiber by using a cyanate ester resin that combines high heat resistance, low moisture absorption, and cryogenic properties with the space environment in mind. The properties of #290 are also utilized in applications designed for harsh space environments, such as lunar exploration robots.
Kyron™ULTRA is a thermoplastic carbon fiber prepreg made by impregnating carbon fiber with super engineering plastics. In addition to the properties of the super engineering plastic used as the matrix resin, such as high Tg, low moisture absorption, low outgassing, and impact resistance, the selection of carbon fiber suitable for each application and the optimization of the process for combining carbon fiber with resin are key factors. Through this combination, Kyron™ULTRA is being considered for satellite components that require weight reduction, reliability, and mechanical performance.
