Silicone Polymer Composites for Thermal Protection System: Fiber Reinforcements and Microstructures

Abstract

A new class of silicone polymer matrix composites was evaluated using a simulated solid rocket motor test apparatus. Conversion of this organic silicone polymer to a ceramic (i.e. silica) structure on exposure to flame impingement or high temperature, accounts for its outstanding thermal stability. A research program was aimed to develop and evaluate this new class of thermal protection materials for military applications. This article presents the effects of the type and form of reinforcements on the thermal performance of a novel class of silicone polymer matrix composites. Reinforcement types such as glass, silica, quartz, NextelTM, and NicalonTM were used. Reinforcement forms such as random continuous-fiber mat, chopped-fiber mat, 2-D fabric, 3-D fabric, chopped roving, and broadgood tapes with different ply angles were tested. Detailed microstructural, mass loss, and peak erosion analyses were conducted on the phenolic-based matrix composite (control) and silicone-based matrix composites to understand their protective mechanisms.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jan 01, 2010
Accession Number
ADA534233

Entities

People

  • C. Blackmon
  • J. H. Koo
  • J. Weispfenning
  • M. J. Miller

Organizations

  • University of Texas at Austin

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Space
  • Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Ablative Materials
  • Aluminum Oxides
  • Climate Change
  • Composite Materials
  • Heat Transfer
  • High Temperature
  • Laminates
  • Materials
  • Materials Laboratories
  • Materials Processing
  • Materials Science
  • Polymer Matrix Composites
  • Resins
  • Rocket Engines
  • Silicone Plastics
  • Thermophysical Properties
  • Three Dimensional

Fields of Study

  • Materials science

Readers

  • Reinforced Composite Materials
  • Surface Coatings Technology.