Preparation of ablation-resistant ethylene propylene trioxide/polyimide staple fiber composite insulation layer by solution wet mixing process

Abstract

This research developed a solution wet mixing process for creating Ethylene propylene diene monomer/polyimide staple fiber composites (EPDM/PISF), overcoming the uneven fiber distribution seen in traditional dry mixing techniques. By uniformly dispersing PISF within the EPDM matrix, the wet mixing process improves the composite's performance. This is evidenced by an 18.08 % reduction in ΔG′, a 14.29 % lower linear ablation rate (0.042 mm/s), enhanced thermal stability, a higher charring rate, and a denser carbonized layer. Optimal overall performance was achieved using a PISF content of 10phr in the wet mixing process. This advancement significantly enhances the ablation resistance of EPDM/PIS, making them a promising choice for high-performance and durable insulation in solid rocket motors.