Poly(Imide‐Siloxane) Copolymer Materials for Lunar Dust Mitigation: Synthesis and Characterization of Surface Properties

Dust poses a significant threat to any equipment operating on the Moon, particularly for long-term explorations. The development of efficient dust mitigation solutions is therefore critical for the success of lunar missions. In this work, fully aromatic and fluorinated polyimide (PI) and poly(imide-dimethylsiloxane) (PIDMS) copolymers are synthesized. The surface properties of the PIDMS materials are investigated using several techniques to evaluate their potential application as materials with lunar dust mitigation properties. In particular, the top and bottom surfaces are analyzed using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and a wettability study to assess the preferential segregation of the siloxane chains toward one or the other side. Thermal analysis from differential scanning calorimetry suggests that the copolymer materials can withstand the harsh conditions of the Moon's surface. Morphology analysis by scanning electron microscopy shows an increase in surface roughness upon addition of the siloxane segments.