Space Applications

Boron fiber’s slightly positive coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) coupled with its very high elastic modulus make it an excellent material for space structure stabilization. Advanced composites made with boron fiber and carbon fiber (which has a negative CTE) in a cyanate ester resin can yield structures with zero CTE. This makes them particularly valuable for space optical benches, where the thermal gradient across the structure can be severe, resulting in components that maintain superb optical alignment yet are lightweight.