Feasibility of conducting semi-IPN with variable electro-emissivity: A promising way for spacecraft thermal control

This paper focuses on the performances of flexible all-polymer electroemissive devices as active materials for thermal control of satellites. These devices are made of a semi-interpenetrating network of poly(ethylene oxide) and poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEO/PEDOT) where PEDOT is embedded within the PEO network and swollen with an ionic liquid. The reflectivity at 2.5 μm and the emissivity in the infrared region between 5 and 50 μm were measured at room temperature as well as the stability in vacuum. It was thus pointed out that these films exhibit interesting switching properties as notably a maximal emissivity contrast of 0.31 with a switching time less than 3 min. Moreover a low energy was required (473 J m−²) to modulate the emissivity of the devices.

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► All-organic electroemissive devices EED are studied for thermal control of satellites.
► Ionic liquid is used as an electrolyte in non-sealed EED.
► The ionic liquid is stable in vacuum conditions (10−5 mbar) for 7 days.
► Emissivity contrast of 0.31 with a switching time less than 3 min was obtained at room temperature.
► A low energy is required (473 J m−²) to modulate the emissivity of the devices.