Preparation of ZrO₂ and PTFE coating with particle stacking microstructure on CFRP for low solar absorption

Because of the fatigue resistance and light weight, carbon fiber reinforced resin composite (CFRP) has widely used in expanded solar panels, key components of space stations and antenna panels. However, the space environment of solar irradiation will cause the CFRP temperature rise due to its high solar absorption, which affects the long-term application. It is necessary to prepare thermal control coating (TCC) on the surface of CFRP. In this paper, a new preparation method of CFRP surface coating by gravity deposition is reported to obtain ZrO₂ and polytetrafluoroethylene particle stacking structure with low solar absorption. The high scattering intensity of particle stacking structure coating was verified by simulation. Through the analysis of the morphologies and XPS of the coating, the optimal ZrO₂ content was determined, and the particle stacking structure was proved. The coating exhibits good thermal shock property. The solar absorption of the coating is as low as 0.08, with a surface density of 196 g/m², and the surface temperature can be reduced by 38.8 °C under irradiation, which provides a new prospect for the application of thermal control coating on the CFRP.