Does Kapton Tape Meet NASA Outgassing Requirements?
Understanding ASTM E595, low-outgassing adhesives, and material qualification for spacecraft applications.
Quick Answer
Kapton® polyimide film alone does not automatically qualify a tape for spacecraft use. The complete construction—including adhesive—must satisfy the applicable program requirements, commonly including ASTM E595 outgassing testing.
NASA Outgassing Requirements
Many spacecraft programs evaluate candidate materials using ASTM E595. The commonly referenced acceptance criteria are:
| Requirement | Value |
|---|---|
| Total Mass Loss (TML) | ≤ 1.0% |
| Collected Volatile Condensable Materials (CVCM) | ≤ 0.1% |
| Test Temperature | 125°C |
| Duration | 24 hours |
| Vacuum Level | ≤10-5 torr |
Why Adhesive Selection Matters
For contamination-sensitive spacecraft, engineers evaluate the entire tape system rather than only the polyimide backing. Adhesive chemistry can influence contamination risk, long-term stability, and compatibility with mission-specific requirements.
https://outgassing.nasa.gov/
How Dunmore Supports Qualification
- Material engineering support
- Mission-specific tape recommendations
- Experience with aerospace thermal materials
- Support for qualification testing and documentation
Related Resources
- Spacecraft Thermal Materials Guide
- Kapton Tape Selection Guide
- Cassini MLI Tape Story
- Kapton Tape Products
Need a low-outgassing tape solution?
Contact Dunmore to discuss aerospace-qualified tape constructions and mission-specific material selection.
