ECTFE (HALAR) as a New Material for Primary Sample Containment of Astromaterials

Introduction: Fluoropolymers, such as Teflon (PTFE, PFA, FEP) and Viton(FKM), have been used for over 40 years in curating astromaterials at NASA JSC. In general, fluoropolymershave low outgassingand particle shedding properties that reduce cross-contamination to curated samples. Ethylene – Chlorotrifluoroethylene( ECTFE), commonly called Halar ( trademarkof Solvay Solexis), is a partially fluorinated semi-crystalline copolymer in the same class of fluoropolymerswith superior abrasion resistance and extremely low permeability to liquids, gases, and vapors than any other fluoropolymer(fig. 1). ECTFEcoatings are becoming more popular in the nuclear, semiconductor, and biomedical industry for lining isolation containment gloveboxesand critical piping as well as other clean room applications. A study was conducted at NASA JSC to evaluate the potential use of Halar on future sample return missionsas a material for primary sample containment.