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Published online by Cambridge University Press: 01 February 2011
Two-types of vertically aligned multi-walled carbon nanotubes (VA-MWNTs) are evaluated as the protective coatings against ion erosion in electric propulsion systems. A series of experiments have been conducted to understand the erosion rate and erosion mechanism of these VA-MWNTs. These experiments were carried out with Xe propellant at an ion current density of 5 mA/cm2. We found that the erosion rates of both types of VA-MWNTs were changing with time. Such a nonlinear erosion process is explained according to a possible erosion mechanism.