Title: Development of Nanocomposite Thermoset Ablative for High Heat Flux Applications

Authors: William P. Fahy, Joseph H. Koo, Dana Misasi, Luke Canan, Ruby Para, and Kara Li

DOI: 10.33599/nasampe/c.19.0775

Abstract: A class of ablative materials using phenolic resin, silica fabric, and nano zirconium dioxide are being developed as a potential alternative for use in high heat flux applications. Four new ablatives are being fabricated using tandem nanocomposite formulations. Each of the tandem composites consist of nano zirconium dioxide with small amounts of one of the following additives: Multiwalled carbon nanotubes, nano graphene platelets, alumina nanofibers, and nano boron carbide. Materials have been fabricated, tested, and compared using thermal and micro analysis. Thermal gravimetric analysis and microscale combustion calorimetry were used to compare char yield and thermal stability. Oxy-acetylene test bed (OTB) evaluated the ablative composites under a high heat flux of 1,000 W/cm2. Data analysis on recession rate, back side heat-soaked temperature, surface temperature, mass loss, and materials surface behavior was gathered and used as a comparison tool. Following testing of the candidates, it was determined that the nanocomposite containing n-boron carbide in tandem with n-zirconium dioxide was the strongest performing candidate, demonstrating superior ablative properties such as mass loss and recession rate.

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Conference: CAMX 2019

Publication Date: 2019/09/23

SKU: TP19-0775

Pages: 13

Price: $26.00