Triboelectric testing at KSC under low pressure and temperature

The purpose of this study at Kennedy Space Center (KSC) was to develop and test a second-generation triboelectric robot capable of operating in a special vacuum chamber. The robot tested PTFE and four thin films under low pressures down to 0.6 torr. An anti-static polyethylene was tested at several temperatures. This report shows the effects of low pressures and temperature on these films. The Paschen curve was also measured for polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). This report also shows the influence of the Paschen effects on the four triboelectrically charged insulating films and PTFE. Data from the robot testing shows the Paschen voltages for insulators can be significantly higher than that for a conductor. The report recommends that materials used in critical space applications and planetary applications be electrostatically tested at low pressure, low temperature and/or hard vacuum prior to use.