Exploring New Worlds Beyond Our Own
Unprotected by Earth's atmosphere, spacecraft are exposed to incredibly low temperatures and harmful rays. These harsh conditions can disrupt orbiting and voyaging machines that operate on complex electronics to emit signals. Broken signals, malfunctioning electronics, and inoperable mechanics potentially jeopardize high-cost space investments.
Using high-performance fluoropolymers that add durability, reliability, and conductivity to spacecraft and satellites is essential to addressing these and other challenges.
Teflon™ Fluoropolymers Travel to Mars
When NASA began the $1 billion Mars Exploration Rovers project, scientists needed materials capable of functioning in—and surviving—the unique Martian environment. Both Mars rovers, Spirit and Opportunity, included critical components manufactured with Teflon™ fluoropolymer resins.
Without the cables coated with Teflon™ fluoropolymer resins that transmitted images back to Earth, humans may never have seen the surface of Mars.
These same resins also keep many communications satellites orbiting Earth at peak performance. Unlike other plastics, Teflon™ fluoropolymers provide:
- Superior thermal control, up to 300 °C (572 °F)
- Lasting bend/twist flexibility
- Best-in-class dielectric properties
Teflon™ Fluoropolymers Add Longevity
The Teflon™ fluoropolymers used in both rovers’ constructions helped reduce the risk of component failures and extend mission life. Thanks in large part to the durability of its components, Opportunity's mission continued for another 14 years, breaking a record for extraterrestrial travel by rolling more distance than a 26-mile marathon. Spirit also exceeded expectations—while only anticipated to operate for a few months, its mission continued until March 2010.
Chemours materials have enabled manned and unmanned missions like these for more than half a century. The properties or Chemours products also ensure the reliable function of diverse, complex tools like robotic arms and electric modules.
Read more about these critical aerospace applications here.
Flying Safely Within Our Atmosphere
Airplane designers and manufacturers prioritize safety. They depend on high-performing, reliable materials that protect everything—including doors, fuel hoses, and wings. High-performance fluoropolymers support the growing aviation industry by improving the safety of flight.
- Teflon™ fluoropolymer films have superior dielectric properties that electronic components in airplanes require.
- Tefzel™ fluoropolymer resins help insulate the millions of feet of cable that run throughout aircraft to add superior resistance to aging, radiation, and fire in addition to thermal stability.
- Teflon™ PTFE fine powder tubing facilitates safe and durable flow of fuel and other aircraft fluids.
