ITO Coated Silver FEP Film
Since 1985 Dunmore Aerospace has been providing material solutions for the space industry. Our Indium Tin Oxide (ITO) coated silver FEP film provides an electrically conductive outer surface for dissipating surface charge while maintaining the thermo-optical properties of silver FEP film. From innermost layer to outermost layer, the ITO Ag FEP film is a stack up of Inconel, silver, FEP film, then ITO. This material is used in low to moderate temperature multi-layer Insulation (MLI) blanket applications that require low sink temperatures and dissipation of external electrical surface charges.
The optically clear ITO layer of the MLI film can also provide some protection from Atomic Oxygen (AO) but not as much as a silicon dioxide protected film. The ITO coated silver FEP film can potentially crack due to tight bending or over-handling, so care should be taken when working with the material.
Reasons to Choose ITO Coated Silver FEP Film
The ITO layer of ITO coated silver Teflon™ film is optically clear and electrically conductive. It provides protection from electrostatic charge buildup and atomic oxygen while maintaining the thermo-optical properties of Ag FEP film. This combination of properties is particularly useful in applications where electrostatic discharge poses a hazard to electrically sensitive components like electronics and instrumentation. Missions flown to the ISS in particular usually have strict grounding requirements and must function in the AO and contamination heavy environment of the low-orbiting ISS.
At 2,500 Ω/sq. on the exterior surface, ITO coated silver Teflon film provides similar electrical resistivity as the interior Inconel layer protecting the silver film. The MLI film can be grounded using mechanical lugs though tape may be difficult to keep adhered to the ITO layer. Perforations or other features can be added to the film while maintaining electrical conductivity so long as the ITO layer is continuous.
Material Properties
- Typical outside surface α / ϵ values: 0.13 to 0.17
- Operating Temperature: -185°C to 125°C
- Thickness range: 50 - 127 μm
- Surface Resistivity: 2,500 Ω/sq
ITO Coated Silver Teflon™ Film Applications
Satellite MLI, Credit: NASA
Contact Us for ITO Silver Coated Teflon™ Film
Please Contact Us for more information on ITO Ag FEP film.