When standard elastomers release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in vacuum or space environments, these vapors can condense on delicate optical lenses, solar arrays, and sensitive electronic sensors. ElastaPro low outgassing silicone undergoes rigorous thermal vacuum processing to ensure full compliance with NASA SP-R-0022A and ESA requirements. Every batch is Made in the USA under an AS9100D and ISO 9001:2015 certified quality management system and shipped with a complete Certificate of Analysis (COA).
ASTM E595 Outgassing Criteria & Compliance Thresholds
To achieve compliance under the ASTM E595 test method (conducted at 125°C under high vacuum for 24 hours), silicone materials must pass strict limits on mass loss and condensable volatiles:
| ASTM E595 Outgassing Parameter | NASA Standard Limit | ElastaPro ASTM E595 Silicone Performance |
|---|---|---|
| Total Mass Loss (TML) | ≤ 1.00% | Verified ≤ 1.00% across all durometers |
| Collected Volatile Condensable Material (CVCM) | ≤ 0.10% | Verified ≤ 0.10% across all durometers |
| Water Vapor Recovered (WVR) | Reported metric | Documented on batch Certificate of Analysis (COA) |
Key Performance Advantages of Low Outgassing Silicone
- Optical & Sensor Protection: Prevents volatile fogging and chemical condensation on lenses, optical mirrors, laser systems, and imaging arrays.
- Thermal Stability under Vacuum: Retains elastomeric sealing integrity and mechanical flexibility across extreme space temperatures ranging from -100°F to +500°F (-73°C to +260°C).
- Low Compression Set: Maintains continuous sealing force without losing resilience under persistent flange bolt pressure.
- Precision Converting Ready: Easily converted via die-cutting or waterjet cutting into custom aerospace seals, thermal barrier pads, and environmental gaskets.
High-Vacuum & Aerospace Applications
- Spacecraft & Satellite Hardware: Exterior door seals, optical payload gaskets, and solar panel buffer pads.
- Semiconductor Manufacturing: Vacuum chamber seals, wafer handling pads, and cleanroom enclosure gaskets.
- Military & Defense Avionics: Ruggedized optoelectronic seals, night-vision housing gaskets, and cockpit display buffers.
- Laboratory Vacuum Systems: High-vacuum chamber seals, spectrograph gaskets, and analytical instrumentation pads.
Note: ElastaPro also provides other specification grade silicones for these and other applications.
Frequently Asked Questions About ASTM E595 Silicone
What is ASTM E595, and why is outgassing critical in space applications?
ASTM E595 is a standardized test method that measures total mass loss (TML) and collected volatile condensable material (CVCM) of materials exposed to high-vacuum environments at 125°C for 24 hours. In space or high-vacuum chambers, outgassed volatile compounds can deposit onto cold surfaces such as optical lenses, solar cells, and sensitive electronic sensors, degrading hardware performance or causing mission failure.
What are the pass/fail thresholds for ASTM E595 low outgassing silicone?
To meet standard NASA and aerospace outgassing criteria under ASTM E595, a silicone material must exhibit a Total Mass Loss (TML) of no more than 1.00% and a Collected Volatile Condensable Material (CVCM) of no more than 0.10%. ElastaPro low outgassing silicones are processed to meet these benchmarks consistently.
Can ElastaPro supply ASTM E595 low outgassing silicone sheets with adhesive backing?
Yes. ElastaPro ASTM E595 solid silicone sheeting can be supplied with specialized low-outgassing, factory-applied pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA) backings. These acrylic or silicone adhesives are specifically selected to ensure the complete gasket assembly maintains vacuum compliance.
What product forms are available for ASTM E595 silicone?
ElastaPro supplies ASTM E595 low outgassing silicone in continuous roll stock (up to 60″ wide), pre-cut solid sheets (ranging from .010″ to .500″ thick), and custom-compounded uncured stock ready for compression, transfer, or injection molding.
