Glow discharge aging of Kapton film

Abstract

Summary form only. Kapton film is commonly used as an electrical and thermal insulator in most spacecraft. The voltages associated with space power systems are projected to increase above the Paschens minimum voltage in the future. Coupled with the low-pressure environment around the spacecraft, a glow discharge could possibly take place in the vicinity of the conductor. Such a discharge can cause slow and gradual degradation of the insulating film possibly leading to an electrical or thermal failure. In this study, Kapton was subjected to glow discharge aging in a low-pressure environment, and changes in its electrical and morphological properties were monitored. No significant changes in the properties were found to occur in the film over a short period of time, showing that Kapton is suitable as an electrical insulator for high-voltage applications in space.<>