When aerospace engineers need a coating that delivers both thermal control and electrical conductivity in extreme environments, material selection becomes mission-critical. The MLS-85-SB-C electrically conductive paint represents a specialized solution engineered for applications where traditional coatings fail, from Low Earth Orbit satellites to precision optical instruments.
This comprehensive material guide examines the technical specifications, application parameters, and performance characteristics that make MLS-85-SB-C electrically conductive paint an essential solution for engineers working on space-qualified systems, optical instruments, and thermal management applications.
Visit the Resource Center: Advanced Coatings for Aerospace Optics
Core Performance Specifications That Define Excellence
MLS-85-SB-C electrically conductive paint combines advanced silicone binder technology with specialized conductive pigments to deliver exceptional performance across multiple engineering disciplines. The coating's unique formulation addresses the complex requirements of applications demanding both thermal control and static dissipation capabilities.
The material's standout characteristics include remarkable temperature stability, atomic oxygen resistance for space applications, and consistent optical properties that remain stable across varying environmental conditions. These properties make it particularly valuable for engineers designing systems that must perform reliably in harsh operational environments.
Core Technical Specifications
Property | Specification | Engineering Significance |
| Surface Resistivity | ~10⁵ Ω/sq | Provides controlled static dissipation |
| Thermal Emittance (ε_t) | 0.91 ± 0.02 | Excellent heat rejection capability |
| Solar Absorptance (α_s) | 0.98 ± 0.01 | Superior solar energy absorption |
| Operating Temperature | -180°C to 600°C (-292°F to 1112°F) | Extreme temperature stability |
| Adhesion Grade | ≥3A (ASTM D3359A) | Reliable substrate bonding |
| Cure Time | 48-72 hours | Complete polymerization |
These specifications demonstrate why MLS-85-SB-C electrically conductive paint serves as a go-to solution for applications requiring both thermal management and electrical conductivity in a single coating system.
Space Environment Performance and Atomic Oxygen Resistance
Space applications present unique challenges that standard electrically conductive paint formulations cannot address. MLS-85-SB-C electrically conductive paint incorporates atomic oxygen resistance capabilities essential for Low Earth Orbit operations, where traditional coatings degrade rapidly under AO flux exposure.
The coating's space heritage includes flight testing aboard the Optical Properties Monitor (OPM), which returned after nine months of orbital exposure with maintained optical and electrical properties. This real-world validation provides engineers with confidence in long-term performance for satellite and spacecraft applications.
Definition: AO flux exposure
AO flux exposure refers to the bombardment of materials by highly reactive atomic oxygen atoms present in Low Earth Orbit (LEO), typically at altitudes between 180-650 km where molecular oxygen is broken down by solar radiation. This exposure causes rapid degradation and erosion of many materials, particularly organic compounds and polymers, making AO resistance a critical requirement for spacecraft and satellite components operating in LEO environments.
For Geosynchronous Earth Orbit applications, MLS-85-SB-C electrically conductive paint offers proven reliability without the atomic oxygen exposure concerns present in LEO environments. The coating's thermal control characteristics make it particularly effective for satellite thermal management systems requiring static dissipation capabilities.
Engineers should note that while MLS-85-SB-C demonstrates AO resistance, limited testing data means application-specific evaluation remains recommended for mission-critical deployments.
Read the guide: Optical and Thermal Coatings in Aerospace
Application Methods and Processing Considerations
MLS-85-SB-C electrically conductive paint offers versatile application methods suited to various manufacturing environments and substrate geometries. Spray application provides optimal results for achieving specified optical and thermal properties, while brush application remains viable for specialized geometries or repair operations.
The coating's silicone binder system eliminates the controlled temperature and humidity requirements typical of many specialty coatings. This processing advantage reduces manufacturing complexity and allows application in standard production environments without specialized environmental controls.
Application Parameters for Optimal Performance:
- Spray Application: Recommended for achieving specification-grade optical properties
- Brush Application: Suitable for complex geometries with potential property variations
- Substrate Compatibility: Excellent adhesion to metals, ceramics, and composites
- Environmental Controls: No special temperature/humidity requirements during application
- Thickness Control: Target 3.0 mils (+1.0, -1.5) for optimal performance
The low outgassing characteristics of MLS-85-SB-C electrically conductive paint make it particularly suitable for vacuum system applications where contamination control is paramount.
Why Partner with Modus for MLS-85-SB-C Application Excellence
The specialized nature of MLS-85-SB-C electrically conductive paint requires manufacturing expertise that goes beyond standard coating application capabilities. Modus Advanced brings the precision engineering and quality systems essential for achieving optimal performance from this advanced material system.
Our vertically integrated approach ensures proper application technique selection, whether your project requires spray application for specification-grade optical properties or brush application for complex geometries. Our engineering team understands the critical relationship between application method and final performance characteristics, preventing costly rework or performance compromises.
Design Integration for Thermal Management Systems
Thermal engineers working with MLS-85-SB-C electrically conductive paint benefit from its exceptional thermal emittance properties that facilitate effective heat rejection in both space and terrestrial applications. The coating's 0.91 ± 0.02 thermal emittance provides reliable heat dissipation performance across the full operating temperature range.
Solar absorptance characteristics of 0.98 ± 0.01 enable efficient solar energy absorption for applications requiring controlled thermal input. This combination of high absorptance and emittance makes MLS-85-SB-C electrically conductive paint ideal for thermal control surfaces requiring precise energy balance management.
The nonspecular optical black finish minimizes reflective interference in optical systems while maintaining the electrical conductivity necessary for static charge dissipation. This dual functionality eliminates the need for separate coatings in many system designs.
Engineers designing satellite thermal control systems particularly value the coating's ability to maintain stable thermal properties throughout orbital temperature cycling from -180°C to 600°C (-292°F to 1112°F).
Electrical Conductivity for Static Dissipation Applications
The controlled surface resistivity of approximately 10⁵ Ω/sq positions MLS-85-SB-C electrically conductive paint in the optimal range for static dissipation applications. This resistivity level provides effective charge dissipation without creating short-circuit risks in sensitive electronic systems.
Electronics enclosure applications benefit from the coating's ability to prevent static charge accumulation while maintaining the nonconductive characteristics necessary for component protection. The consistent resistivity across temperature extremes ensures reliable static control performance throughout operational temperature ranges.
Static Dissipation Performance Characteristics:
- Controlled Resistivity: 10⁵ Ω/sq nominal for predictable charge dissipation
- Temperature Stability: Maintained electrical properties across full temperature range
- Surface Uniformity: Consistent conductivity across coated surfaces
- Long-term Reliability: Stable electrical properties over extended service life
Precision optical instruments require static control without compromising optical performance, making MLS-85-SB-C electrically conductive paint an ideal solution for baffle coatings and internal optical component surfaces.
Optical System Applications and Performance Benefits
Optical engineers specify MLS-85-SB-C electrically conductive paint for applications requiring both superior light absorption and static dissipation capabilities. The coating's nonspecular black finish eliminates unwanted reflections while maintaining the electrical conductivity necessary for charge control in sensitive optical systems.
Baffle coating applications particularly benefit from the material's combination of high solar absorptance and thermal emittance, which enables effective stray light control with built-in thermal management. The coating's space-qualified formulation makes it suitable for both ground-based and orbital optical systems.
Internal optical component applications leverage the low outgassing characteristics essential for maintaining optical clarity in vacuum systems. The coating's atomic oxygen resistance ensures long-term performance in space-based optical instruments without degradation concerns.
Telescope and imaging system designers value the coating's ability to maintain consistent optical properties across extreme temperature variations encountered in space and high-altitude applications.
Engineering Your Next Critical Application
MLS-85-SB-C electrically conductive paint delivers the specialized performance characteristics essential for applications where standard coatings cannot meet the demanding requirements of space environments, precision optics, and thermal management systems. The material's proven space heritage, combined with its versatile application methods and stable properties across extreme temperatures, makes it an invaluable solution for engineers developing next-generation systems.
The coating's unique combination of thermal control, electrical conductivity, and environmental resistance addresses multiple engineering challenges in a single material system. This multifunctional capability reduces system complexity while ensuring reliable performance in mission-critical applications.
At Modus Advanced, our engineering team understands the critical nature of material selection for aerospace, defense, and precision optical applications. Our expertise in advanced coating applications, combined with our AS9100 and ITAR certifications, ensures your MLS-85-SB-C electrically conductive paint applications meet the highest quality and security standards.
Partner with us to accelerate your development timeline while maintaining the uncompromising quality standards your applications demand. Contact our engineering team today to discuss how MLS-85-SB-C electrically conductive paint can solve your most challenging thermal and electrical design requirements.
