Resistance for Erosion on Carbonized Lignin and Si in Combined Materials

An analysis of the erosional properties of carbonized lignin with a Si content of 0 to 40% under the simulated atomic oxygen (AO) conditions found in low earth orbit was carried out. The AO environment was produced using a laser detonation atomic oxygen beam source. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy revealed an increase in the atomic concentration of oxygen-related groups on the surface of the carbonized lignin with and without Si. The erosion rate was found to be low for the case of carbonized lignin with >20% Si. The Si-free sample exhibited a resistance to oxidation due to the formation of an oxide area that protected it from further AO effects on chemical bonds such as C=C bonds. The surface chemistry of the Si-free samples was similar to that of diamondlike carbon (DLC). These experimental results suggest that carbonized lignin derived from Sugi wood has the potential to be used in materials for space applications.