SEM and EDX Study of Glassy Carbon Coatings after an Extende Stay on the International Space Station (ISS)

Graphite samples covered with glassy-carbon layers, have stayed for 2 years and 4 months under different conditions - terrestrial conditions and on the International Space Station. The influence of outer space on glassy carbon coatings was studied by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), Raman and infrared spectroscopy. The results show presence of some defects and heteroatoms (traces of O, F, Na, Cl) after staying in space, probably due to radiation and other effects. SEM data provide valuable information about the existence of undamaged glassy carbon layer with thickness of 20 μm. There are no structural changes in the layers of glassy carbon after stay in space. Data show that these materials can be successfully applied for electrical field measurements in ionosphere.