Thermal Protective Coatings
Abstract
An exploratory research and development program was performed for the purpose of providing an effective thermal barrier for aircraft and pilot protection in the event of an aircraft fire. The primary objective of the program was Task I, which consisted of examining the effectiveness of expanding naturally occurring fillers (Perlite and Vermiculite) when used in combination with organic and inorganic matrix coating systems. Both filler systems expand and increase in volume up to 20 times when exposed to heat and liberate no toxic gases. Thin coatings of these filler systems combined with various organic intumescent paints and inorganic matrix systems were developed and thermally evaluated. Test specimens were exposed to a frontface thermal flux environment of 13.5 BTU/ft sq ft--sec (15.3 joules/sq cm--sec) within the door opening of an electric furnace while the aluminum substrate specimen backface temperature rise with respect to time of exposure was continuously monitored and autographically recorded. The most effective thermal coating developed was composed of an intumescent paint, No. 3 grade Vermiculite and 0.5 inch (1.27 cm) length graphite fiber in the respective ratios of 65.8 percent, 33.9 percent, and 0.03 percent by weight. This coating when applied at a thickness of 0.060 inch (0.15 cm) to an aluminum substrate and tested as described will insulate the substrate for a period of 6.8 minutes before a temperature of 500 F (260 C) is reached and for a period of 17.4 minutes before a temperature of 800 F (427 C) is reached. Task II consisted of thermally characterizing 60 government furnished ceramic felts by exposing them to a thermal flux of 15 BTU/f sq ft.--sec.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 31, 1976
- Accession Number
- ADA031035
Entities
People
- G. R. Wittman
- Jillian L. Perry