Phys.org  February 16, 2021 Atomic oxygen is created when O2 molecules break apart, a process made easier in space because of the abundance of ultraviolet radiation affecting the structural integrity of space structures. An international team of researchers (UK, Germany) has developed a nano-barrier that bonds to the surface of polymer or composite materials, protecting them from erosion in low-Earth orbit without disrupting the functional performance of the space structure. The multilayered protection barrier deposited via a custom-built plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition system is designed to deposit all necessary layers without breaking vacuum to maximize the adhesion to the surface […]