Electrically conductive polyimide/graphene nanocomposites for advanced space applications

Aromatic polyimides (PI) with high resistance to radiation combined with functional graphene-based fillers are promising materials for a wide range of space applications, such as those involving sensors, antibacterial coatings, and external spacecraft or satellite components. In this work, nanocomposites made of a fluorinated and aromatic polyimide filled with graphene nanoplatelets (GNP) (different concentrations from 5 to 20 wt.%) are prepared following an eco-friendly approach with a bio-based solvent, dimethyl isosorbide (DMI), used for the polymer synthesis and the composite processing. Several experimental techniques are used to investigate the morphology and surface properties of the PI/GNP nanocomposites, assessing their potential application in space environments, in particular for low Earth orbit (LEO).