Low-Temperature Resistant Toughened Epoxy Resin Composite for Liquid Oxygen Tanks

Abstract

Integrated molding of composite liquid oxygen tanks has become a crucial technology for aerospace carriers to shorten manufacturing cycles, improve carrying efficiency, and reduce production costs. Operating in an environment of −183°C, carbon fiber-reinforced resin composites face challenges such as extreme low-temperature service conditions and incompatibility with liquid oxygen due to the coupling effects of mechanical, thermal, and chemical fields. This chapter focuses on developing a modified epoxy resin matrix that is both ultralow temperature resistant and liquid oxygen compatible, essential for manufacturing composite liquid oxygen tanks. By improving the durability and fire resistance of the epoxy resin, this research introduces a novel dual-system macromolecular network interpenetration and interchain chemical crosslinking mechanism, improving mechanical properties at both room and ultralow temperatures. Moreover, two newly developed phosphorus/nitrogen-based reactive flame retardants are synthesized and added to the resin, notably improving both flame retardancy and compatibility with liquid oxygen. The resulting modified epoxy resin systems demonstrate superior mechanical properties at both room and ultra-low temperatures, making them suitable for manufacturing carbon fiber-reinforced composite materials for liquid oxygen tanks. The findings highlight the potential of these materials to meet the stringent requirements of aerospace applications.