Rogers laminates, including widely used RT-duroid® 5870 and 5880, are renowned for their low outgassing properties, making them ideal for space electronics, vacuum systems, and sensitive instrumentation. These high-performance materials provide electrical stability, thermal reliability, and minimal contamination risks in extreme environments.
1. Understanding Outgassing in PCB Materials
Outgassing refers to the release of volatile compounds from a material when exposed to vacuum or elevated temperatures. Excessive outgassing can lead to:
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Contamination of optical or electronic components, affecting sensor performance.
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Degradation of vacuum system efficiency, reducing operational reliability.
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Interference with sensitive space instruments, compromising mission-critical systems.
Key Outgassing Metrics:
| Metric | Definition |
|---|---|
| Total Mass Loss (TML) | Percentage of material mass lost due to volatile release. |
| Collected Volatile Condensable Materials (CVCM) | Fraction of volatiles that condense on surfaces, potentially contaminating components. |
2. Low Outgassing Properties of Rogers Laminates
Rogers laminates are engineered to minimize volatile content using optimized materials and manufacturing processes:
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PTFE Base: Chemically inert and inherently low in volatile compounds.
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Reinforcement Materials: Glass microfiber or ceramic fillers reduce potential outgassing.
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Controlled Manufacturing: High purity and low residual volatiles ensure consistent low outgassing performance.
Measured Performance (NASA ASTM E595 Standard):
| Material | TML | CVCM |
|---|---|---|
| RT-duroid 5870 | <0.1% | <0.01% |
| RT-duroid 5880 | <0.1% | <0.01% |
Values are well below NASA’s acceptable limits: TML < 1.0%, CVCM < 0.1%.
3. Applications of Low-Outgassing Rogers Laminates
The unique characteristics of Rogers laminates make them suitable for high-reliability and space-critical applications:
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Space Electronics: Antennas, RF circuits, and satellite communication systems.
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Vacuum Systems: High-frequency PCBs used in vacuum chambers.
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Scientific Instruments: Sensors and equipment in cleanroom environments.
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Optics and Photonics: Near sensitive optical systems where contamination must be minimized.
4. Design Considerations for Low-Outgassing Applications
Material Selection:
Choose laminates with proven low outgassing performance, such as RT-duroid 5870/5880 or RO3000® series.
Surface Preparation:
Plasma cleaning or similar techniques can remove surface contaminants before assembly.
Bonding and Adhesives:
Use low-outgassing adhesives compatible with Rogers laminates.
Testing and Validation:
Perform vacuum testing on assembled PCBs to confirm minimal outgassing before deployment.
5. Advantages of Rogers Laminates in Space and Vacuum Applications
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High Reliability: Stable electrical and mechanical performance under extreme thermal and vacuum conditions.
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Low Contamination Risk: Minimal volatile release protects sensitive instruments and optical systems.
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Broad Environmental Compatibility: Suitable for cryogenic, high-temperature, and space-grade applications.
Rogers RT-duroid® laminates provide a reliable, low-outgassing solution for advanced spacecraft electronics, vacuum systems, and precision instruments, delivering high performance, minimal contamination, and long-term operational stability.
Low Outgassing Characteristics of Rogers Laminates Approved for Spacecraft Application
