Ultraviolet radiation and atomic oxygen barrier films and methods of making and using the same

Abstract

Barrier films including a (co)polymeric substrate, at least one dyad on the substrate, each dyad made of a (co)polymer layer and an oxide layer overlaying the (co)polymer layer, and an outer (co)polymer layer overlaying the dyads. Optionally, at least one outer oxide layer overlays the outer (co)polymer layer. The barrier films transmit visible light and transmits, at an incident light angle of at least one of 0°, 30°, 45°, 60°, or 75°, at most 70 percent of incident ultraviolet light at a wavelength range from at least 100 nanometers to 400 nanometers or in a wavelength range from at least 100 nm to 350 nm. The barrier films exhibit atomic oxygen degradation of less than 1×10mg/atom. The barrier films may be applied to decorative objects or electronic devices, (e.g., light receiving or emitting devices, in a satellite or aircraft. Methods of making the barrier films also are disclosed.