Gradient fiber-reinforced aerogel composites using surface ceramicizable-resin densification with outstanding ablation resistance for high-temperature thermal protection. (10th November 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Wang, Hebing; Pan, Yiwu; Jin, Xiangyu; Wu, Can; Huang, He; Yan, Xiaojie; Hong, Changqing; Zhang, Xinghong
• Is Part Of: Composites science and technology. Volume 230(2022)Part 1
• Publication Date: 2022-11-10
• Subjects: A. Polymer-matrix composites (PMCs) -- A. Structural composites -- B. Mechanical properties -- B. Thermal properties; Composite materials -- Periodicals; Composite materials; Fibrous composites; Periodicals; 620.118
• DOI: 10.1016/j.compscitech.2022.109798
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0266-3538

Abstract

Abstract: Fiber-reinforced aerogel composites (FACs) can be applied to the thermal protection system of aerospace vehicles, but the ablative recession is unsatisfactory. We report a novel quartz felt-reinforced phenolic aerogel composite with surface densification (QFPS). The composite with gradients provides enhanced thermal protection under high-temperature and repeated ablation. QFPS was fabricated through surface ceramicizable-resin impregnating and internal phenolic resin aerogel impregnating. QFPS showed desirable thermal and mechanical properties. The internal thermal conductivity was below 0.03 W/(m⋅K), and the tensile, bending, and full-volume rebound compressive strengths were 11.22, 16.25, and 0.48 MPa. Oxy-acetylene ablation test showed a linear setback of 0.003 mm/s, a weight loss of 0.016 g/s for the composite, with a backside temperature below 70 °C. The 10-times repeated butane ablation test showed a slight recession with linear setback and weight loss of 0.30 μm/s and 5.70 mg/s. This composite presents huge application prospects in aerodynamic heating environments. Graphical abstract: Image 1 Highlights: Ceramicizable-resin surface densification for gradient design and preparation. Low linear and weight recession under high temperature and repeated ablation. Analysis of ceramizable-resin transformation and composite ablation mechanism.