Abstract
A novel class of ablative materials using phenolic resin, silica fabric, and nano-zirconium dioxide is being developed as a potential alternative for use in high-heat-flux thermal protection applications. Four new silica–phenolic ablatives have been fabricated using tandem nanocomposite formulations. Each of the tandem composites consist of nano-zirconium dioxide with small amounts of one of the following additives: multiwalled carbon nanotubes, nano-graphene platelets, alumina nanofibers, and nano-boron carbide. Materials have been fabricated, characterized, and compared using thermal and microanalysis. Thermogravimetric analysis and microscale combustion calorimetry were used to compare char yield, thermal stability, and flammability properties. Oxy-acetylene test bed aerothermal ablation testing was used to evaluate the composites under a high heat flux of environment. Data analysis on recession rate, mass loss rate, backside heat-soaked temperature, surface temperature, and materials surface behavior were collected and used as a comparison tool to rank ablation performance of candidate materials. After testing of the candidates, it was determined that the nanocomposite containing nano-boron carbide in tandem with nano-zirconium dioxide was the best-performing candidate, demonstrating superior ablation properties, such as mass loss, recession rate, and insulative properties.
Published Version
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