Ablative properties, thermal stability, and compressive behaviour of hybrid silica phenolic ablative composites

• Published in: Polymer degradation and stability 2022-09, Vol.203, p.110063, Article 110063
• Main Authors: Jithin A J, Aravind, Panigrahi, S K, Sasikumar, P, Rao, K Shreedhar, Krishnakumar, G
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Ablative thermal protection system; Compression moulding, compressive properties; High-temperature lightweight composites; High-temperature thermal degradation; Hybrid ablative composite
• ISSN: 0141-3910; 1873-2321
• DOI: 10.1016/j.polymdegradstab.2022.110063

•Lightweight silica phenolic composites were developed using chopped silica fibre, phenolic matrix, and hollow glass microspheres.•Ablative properties were evaluated using an Argon plasma jet.•The thermal degradation behaviour was investigated, and scientific know-how was established.•Compressive behaviour under uniaxial loading was evaluated, and the theoretical model for the developed three-component composite was established.•The developed silica phenolic composites displayed up to 36% lower density along with better thermal stability and ablation properties, which makes them a suitable candidate for lighter thermal protection systems. Silica phenolic composites are used as thermal protection systems for high temperatures applications like atmospheric re-entry modules, rocket nozzles etc. Lightweight silica phenolic composites (SPGB) were developed using chopped silica fibre, phenolic matrix, and hollow glass microspheres through a compression moulding technique to achieve a cost advantage in thermal protection systems. Ablative properties were evaluated using an Argon plasma jet at a stagnation heat flux of 500 W/cm2. The mass-loss and erosion rates under plasma exposure reduced up to 48% and 32%, respectively, with the addition of hollow glass microspheres. The heat of ablation of composites increased up to 33%. The thermal degradation behaviour of raw materials and SPGB composites was investigated through thermogravimetric analysis, and the scientific know-how was established. Compressive behaviour under uniaxial loading was evaluated, and the theoretical model for the developed three-component composite was established.