NEW POLYMERS TO PROTECT SPACE VEHICLES
Abstract
The synthesis and the characterization of new polymeric systems to be used as protective coatings for space vehicles is described. Particular emphasis is placed on ablators which have low irradiation and particle emissivity under the conditions of typical reentry of a space vehicle into the atmosphere. Crosslinking by ionizing radiation in carbon black filled Kel-F and Teflon was established by mechanical and thermoanalytical methods. Polyaromatic systems such as polyphenylene, methylated poly-phenylene, poly benzyl poly-p- xylylene, furthermore phenolic resins and a styrene-divinyl benzene copolymer were synthesized and investigated by thermogravimetric analysis. In addition Pluton impregnated with polyvinyl fluoride or crosslinked polystyrene was investigated. As a fourth approach towards new ablative materials, the synthesis of aromatic fluorocarbon and silicon type ladder polymers was initiated. The research on carbon-filled Teflon indicates a considerable improvement in heat shielding with polymeric ablators in terms of better mechanical properties and lower weight-to-heat dissipation ratios.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 1967
- Accession Number
- AD0665442
Entities
People
- F. R. Eirich
- Herman F. Mark
- Jeurgen Fock
Organizations
- New York University Tandon School of Engineering