Technologies

Static Dissipative Cable Ties, Such as for Radiation Belt Storm Probes

Reference#: P02721

Ethylene Tetrafluoroethylene (ETFE), is a polymer having a relatively high melting temperature, relatively high corrosion resistance and strength over a relatively wide temperature range and a relatively high electrical and high-energy radiation resistance properties.

ETFE is used in space, nuclear, and aviation industries for cable ties and wire coatings. ETFE based cable ties tend to have a relatively high strength to weight ration and low outgassing characteristics.

ETFE also tends to have a high volumetric and surface electrical resistivity, which may lead to electrical charging or static build-up. For example, in an extraterrestrial environment, elements of a spacecraft or satellite may become electrically charged due to photoelectric effects (sunlight) and/or electron flux. Satellites in geosynchronous orbits are particularly susceptible to electron flux found in out regions of the outer radiation belt.

When the charge build-up exceeds a threshold, such as a dielectric strength of a material, the charge may suddenly discharge to and/or through other elements, such as electrical circuits and/or sensors. This may cause severe and potentially catastrophic damage.

APL researchers have developed methods of heating and cooling the static dissipative ETFE resin, to reduce an electrical resistivity and/or to increase a tensile strength of the article, and methods of irradiating an article formed of a static dissipative ETFE resin to increase a tensile strength of the article. Also disclosed are articles formed of a static dissipative ETFE resin, and processed in accordance with methods disclosed. An article may include without limitation, a cable strap to wrap, support, and/or secure one or more wires or cables, such as a cable tie.

Patent Status: U.S. patents pending.