Temperature effect on the electron emission and charging of BN-SiO2 under low energy electron irradiation

The BN-SiO2 is widely used as canal material in Hall Effect Thrusters. The electron emission yield under electron impact is considered as a key material parameter that affects the thrust efficiency. The effect of the temperature on the electron emission yield of BN-SiO2 was investigated. It is found that, the electron emission drop significantly when the temperature is increased from 22 degrees C to 800 degrees C. The aim here is to report our experimental results and to discuss the representativeness of electron emission data measured on ceramics at room temperature. (C) 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.