Textile and Apparel Science

Evaluation of Environmental Protection Garments (EPG) Shell Textiles for Lunar Exploration Mission

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Abstract

Astronauts are not prepared for extended lunar exploration missions because of regolith (lunar dust) that is a mixture of tiny shards of glass and rocky debris. The purpose of this research was to explore nonwoven fabrics for future Environmental Protection Garments (EPG) shell that would eliminate dust penetration problems and improve dust abrasion properties while maintaining similar strength to current EPG shell Orthofabric. This research also explored the effects of STF and superhydrophobic coatings on fabrics performance. The researchers tested the comfort and mobility properties (thickness, air permeability, stiffness/softness), durability properties (tensile strength, abrasion resistance), and dust properties (dust penetrated, dust adhered) of the two polyimide nonwoven fabrics, Orthofabric neat and fabrics treated with STF and superhydrophobic coatings. It was found that scrim supported polyimide nonwoven has good dust resistance. It has the potential to meet NASA’s material requirements if their construction is altered to increase their durability properties. 

Keywords: Orthofabric, Shear Thickening Fluid, nonwoven, polyimide

How to Cite:

Yatvitskiy, M., Cao, H., Wagner, N., Dombrowski, R. & Hobbs, E., (2024) “Evaluation of Environmental Protection Garments (EPG) Shell Textiles for Lunar Exploration Mission”, International Textile and Apparel Association Annual Conference Proceedings 80(1). doi: https://doi.org/10.31274/itaa.17162