Synergistic polyimide&ZrO₂ flexible films enable low solar absorption and excellent wave-transparency

Carbon fiber epoxy resin (CFRP), as space satellite antenna materials with great application prospects to transmit and receive signals. It is necessary to ensure its normal operation through surface thermal control, which can be achieved by covering with a flexible film. Polyimide (PI) films modified by ceramics particle have been widely studied in the field of flexible devices. However, there is no research on multifunctional PI films with thermal control and wave transmission multifunctional performance. In this study, ZrO₂ modified flexible PI films (PI/ZrO₂ films) which can be covered on the surface of satellite antenna was prepared, and its solar absorption and wave transmission properties were studied. Prepared films exhibited excellent heat resistance and mechanical properties, and the addition of ZrO₂ increased their thermal stability. The solar absorption of films with 50% ZrO₂ is the lowest for 0.30, and the highest reflectance can reach to 88.4%. In addition, the maximum dielectric constant of the films was less than 2.5, and the dielectric loss was less than 0.03, showing an excellent wave transmission performance. The films can be covered on the satellite antenna, and also can be used for other space environment or wave transmission requirements.