A highly specialized pigment with a silicone binder, MLS-85-SB paint can be applied over complex surfaces with relative ease to form a bendable nonspecular black coating. This coating can be utilized in the Low Earth Orbit (LEO) space environment due to its resistance to the deleterious effects of the Atomic Oxygen (AO) flux found there. MLS-85-SB has had limited AO testing, therefore the user should evaluate the performance of this coating for their particular application prior to use. For Geosynchronous Earth Orbit (GEO) and terrestrial applications as a baffle absorptance coating, MLS-85-SB provides excellent service in optical and/or thermal applications. MLS‑85-SB may also be applied with a brush, however, solar absorptance (α_s) and thermal emittance (ε_t) values may not fall within the ranges shown below. This is an excellent coating for use with vacuum systems, optical instruments or internal as well as external spacecraft and satellite applications.
MLS-85-SB was flown on the Optical Properties Monitor (OPM) and returned after 9 months of exposure.
View of pre- and post-flight reflectance data (pdf 25KB).
The main advantage of MLS-85-SB relative to ML-210-IB, RM-550-IB and TMD-560-IB is that it has very low out outgassing and does not require controlled temperature and humidity when applying.
The table below lists the optical and application parameters of cured MLS-85-SB.