Surface Texturing

This process is based on ion-beam texturing which substantially alters the surface morphology of materials in a controlled manner. The surface texturing process significantly increases the diffuse reflection of the treated material without significantly changing its mechanical and thermal optical properties.

It was originally developed to reduce glare and specular reflection of silver-backed FEP Teflon, used as thermal protector (solar reflector/thermal emitter) for electronic equipment in space, in order to improve the performance of the video cameras on the Mobile Servicing Station of the International Space Station. Such textured surfaces may find applications for different cooling or heating systems or as solar diffusers.

Reflectivity comparison of untextured (left)   
textured surfaces (right)