Thermal Vacuum Outgassing Chamber

Every Space Materials Engineer, Surface Physicist, Spacecraft Contamination Engineer and Spacecraft Contamination Effects Analyst looking at outgassing testing essentially requires a Contamination Test Facility, designed to meet the new standard in it's entirety.
1.Aerospace & Satellite Technology

Molecular Contamination Control:

Materials used in spacecraft (e.g., polymers, adhesives, lubricants) release volatiles in vacuum, which can condense on optical sensors, thermal radiators, or electronics, causing failures. ASTM E595 measures Total Mass Loss (TML ≤1%) and Condensable Volatiles (CVCM ≤0.1%) to screen materials for satellites and space instruments

Advanced Contamination Dynamics:

ASTM E1559 extends testing by analyzing real-time outgassing rates, deposition patterns on temperature-controlled surfaces (down to 90 K), and contaminant composition via quadrupole mass spectrometry. This predicts how volatiles migrate and accumulate on sensitive surfaces like telescope mirrors

2.Semiconductor & Electronics Manufacturing

High-Vacuum Process Stability:

In nanoscale fabrication (e.g., EUV lithography), material outgassing causes defects or tool contamination. Chambers simulate vacuum conditions (e.g., 5×10⁻⁵ torr, 125°C) to qualify components such as PCB coatings, sealants, and thermal interface materials.

5G Infrastructure Reliability:

Filters and enclosures for 5G base stations undergo ASTM E595 testing to ensure volatile release (CVCM) does not corrode circuitry or degrade signal integrity 

3. Emerging Technology Sectors

Electric Vehicle (EV) Batteries:

Battery adhesives and thermal management materials are tested to prevent gas-induced cell degradation or thermal runaway.

LiDAR Sensors for Autonomous Vehicles:

Thermal interface materials in LiDAR modules must pass ASTM E595 to avoid lens contamination from silicones, ensuring long-range detection accuracy.

4. Materials R&D & Compliance

Polymer/Coating Formulation:

Evaluates volatiles in elastomers, films, paints, and lubricants. Testing covers both "as-received" materials and post-cured states.

International Standards Alignment:

Supports compliance with space agency norms (e.g., NASA, ECSS-Q-ST-70-02C) and Chinese standards like QJ1558B-2016 for aerospace materials

Comparison of ASTM E595 vs. E1559 Standards

Acceptance Criteria for Critical Applications

Technical Workflow

Testing follows a strict protocol:

1.Pre-conditioning: Samples held at 23°C/50% RH for 24 hours.

2.Vacuum Exposure: Heated to 125°C under 5×10⁻⁵ torr for 24 hours.

3.Post-Test Analysis:

4.TML calculated from mass change.

5.CVCM measured via condensate on chrome-plated collectors.

6.WVR determined after re-exposure to humid air 

Conclusion

Thermal Vacuum Outgassing Chambers are indispensable for ensuring material reliability in extreme environments. While ASTM E595 provides baseline screening for industries like aerospace and semiconductors, ASTM E1559 offers advanced diagnostics for contamination-critical missions. As technologies like space tourism and quantum computing advance, these systems will grow in importance for preventing molecular-scale failures