1. Materials and Processes Division
SME INITIATIVE COURSE
MATERIALS
Materials and Processes Division
Estec
Materials and Processes Division
ESA/ESTEC/TOS-QM

2. Materials and Processes Division
THESE HANDOUTS ARE RELEASED FOR GENERAL INSTRUCTION ONLY.
THEY ARE NOT MEANT TO TAKE ANY PRECEDENCE OVER APPLICABLE PROJECT REQUIREMENTS, DOCUMENTS AND DEFINITIONS.
Materials and Processes Division
ESA/ESTEC/TOS-QM

3. Materials and Processes Division
Course Content
The requirements related to materials, mechanical parts and processes (PMP) with reference to the ESA PSS and ECSS specifications
Documentation requirements
Material properties requirements and associated test methods for non-metallic materials
Cleanliness and contamination control
Material properties requirements, critical processes and associated test methods for metallic materials
Flammability and toxicity control
Visit to the laboratories of the Material and Processes Division
Materials and Processes Division
ESA/ESTEC/TOS-QM

4. Materials and Processes Division
Course Tutors
Sessions 1,2,5: Ton de Rooij, Head Materials, Mechanics and Processes Section (Code TOS-QMM)
Tel: (31) , fax: (31) ,
Session 3,4: Jaco Guyt, Materials Physics and Chemistry Section (Code TOS-QMC)
Tel: (31) , fax: (31) ,
Session 6: John Meehan, MSM-GP
Tel: (31)
Materials and Processes Division
ESA/ESTEC/TOS-QM

5. Materials and Processes Division
Introduction
One question frequently asked is “Why does ESA not have a preferred materials list whereas such a list does exist for electronic components?”
The reason for this is best summarised by the relationship:
Environment
Material + Process Application
In other words a material can only be considered together with the associated process and the final application. To complicate matters further the effects of the environment (manned or unmanned, LEO or GEO etc.) have to be considered since these can significantly affect the suitability of the application
Materials and Processes Division
ESA/ESTEC/TOS-QM

6. Materials and Processes Division
Example 1
For example:
Solithane Process PCB Conformal Coating
(Polyurethane) (24 hr 65 °C)
This combination is widely used in spacecraft application.
However for manned space applications this cannot be used since solithane, in common with most polyurethanes, is flammable
Materials and Processes Division
ESA/ESTEC/TOS-QM

7. Materials and Processes Division
Example 2
Sylgard Process PCB Conformal Coating
(Silicone) (RT cure)
This combination is used for manned space applications.
However for applications exposed to space vacuum this cannot be used since sylgard does not meet the outgassing requirements.
Materials are therefore approved in conjunction with the associated process, the application and the associated environment.
In other words, approval is granted per project.
Materials and Processes Division
ESA/ESTEC/TOS-QM