Enhanced Thermal Protection from Aerogel-Filled Polymers
Abstract
The objective of this work is to produce coatings with high UV and thermal stability for the protection and enhanced lifetime of Navy infrastructure. Our hypothesis is that aerogel particles of controlled size and composition can produce paints with enhanced performance related properties. The rationale is that aerogels have high thermal and UV stability, low mass density, and can be formulated into particles. Our approach is to produce particles of aerogels in emulsions, process the aerogels (remove solvent and dry them), and add them to non-fluorinated polymers that will be cured upon by UV or heat treatment (e.g., epoxies, polysiloxanes, high performance polyimide, etc.). This overcomes the inability to coat aerogels directly onto substrates, as specialized post-processing techniques are needed to accesses the desirable aerogel properties (e.g., supercritical drying). The outcome of this work will be the ability to coat Navy infrastructure pieces, both new and currently in service,and enhance their stability and lifetime of use. Approved for Public Release
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Mar 12, 2025
- Source ID
- N000142512200
Entities
People
- Emily B Pentzer
Organizations
- Office of Naval Research
- Texas Engineering Experiment Station
- United States Navy