The Effect of Hypergol Exposure on Polycyanurate Matrix Composites.

Abstract

Polycyanurates are a new class of thermosetting polymers having properties superior to those of epoxies for spacecraft applications. These polymers are gaining wide acceptance due to their lower moisture uptake, reduced outgassing, high glass transition temperature, and excellent resistance to thermally induced microcracks. Polycyanurate composites are being used in current satellite programs and will likely see increased applications in satellite and launch vehicles. It is necessary to determine the compatibility of these composites with spacecraft propellants. This study examines the compatibility between two hypergol rocket propellants (anhydrous hydrazine and nitrogen tetroxide) and polycyanurate composites composed of T-300 fibers and polycyanurate matrices derived from bisphenol A. The mechanical performance of polycyanurate composites was compared to T-3001934 epoxy composites, a current state-of-the-art system for these applications. Fiber and neat resin specimens were tested in addition to the composite systems. The tensile strength of the PAN-based T-300 fibers was not affected by 24-hour exposures in hydrazine and nitrogen tetroxide. jg p.3

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jul 15, 1995
Accession Number
ADA302035

Entities

People

  • R. J. Zaldivar
  • R. W. Kobayashi
  • T. J. Dickinson

Organizations

  • The Aerospace Corporation

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Space

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Air Force
  • Artificial Satellites
  • Carbon Fibers
  • Composite Materials
  • Epoxy Composites
  • Epoxy Resins
  • Hydrazines
  • Materials
  • Mechanics
  • Physical Properties
  • Propellants
  • Resistance
  • Rocket Oxidizers
  • Rocket Propellants
  • Spacecraft
  • Tensile Strength
  • Tensile Testing

Fields of Study

  • Materials science

Readers

  • Polymer Science and Engineering.
  • Reinforced Composite Materials

Technology Areas

  • Space
  • Space - Hall-Effect Thruster