Outgasser

An 'Outgasser' is a material or substance that releases gases that were previously dissolved, absorbed, or trapped within it. This release often occurs due to changes in temperature, pressure, or exposure to vacuum environments. Outgassing is a critical consideration in various fields, including aerospace, materials science, and vacuum technology, as the released gases can contaminate sensitive equipment or alter the properties of surrounding materials. The rate and type of outgassed substances depend on the material's composition and the environmental conditions.

Outgasser meaning with examples

• In the vacuum of space, spacecraft materials act as significant outgassers. The release of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from the spacecraft's interior components can contaminate sensitive instruments and alter the thermal environment. Careful material selection and pre-baking procedures are often required to mitigate this effect, ensuring optimal instrument performance.
• During the manufacturing process of semiconductors, specific adhesives and encapsulants are common outgassers. The released gases can deposit onto silicon wafers, damaging the integrated circuits. Manufacturers employ stringent testing and cleaning protocols to minimize the outgassing, preventing defects in the final product.
• When heating plastics, many polymer materials behave as outgassers. The process can cause the release of monomers, plasticizers, and other additives into the surrounding air. This is why laboratory experiments often use controlled ovens. A proper venting is needed to eliminate the vapors during the thermal testing phase.
• In the context of space simulation chambers, the interior components often act as outgassers. The creation of a high vacuum environment to test spacecraft requires the removal of any released gases. This can lead to contamination of the sensitive instruments. Proper techniques such as baking is used to eliminate any outgassed materials.