Development and Characterization of New Ablative Materials Based on Polysiloxane Resin and Graphite Felt
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: This study focused on the development of a new concept for ablative thermal protection material, using a relatively new polymer matrix based on polysiloxane resin, which exhibits high-performance thermal properties. As a reinforcing element, graphite felt (GF/UHT) was selected. These new ablative materials were tested and characterized to evaluate their thermal properties through comparison with established/standard ablative materials based on phenolic resin and graphite felt (GF/Isophen). To evaluate them, two distinct types of thermal tests were performed. The first consisted of subjecting the ablative materials to a temperature of 1100 °C for a total duration of 10 min (with three different dwell times: 30 s, 120 s, and 300 s). A mass loss of 31% was recorded for the GF/UHT ablative material samples compared to the GF/Isophen material, where the mass loss reached approximately 68%. The second test consisted of exposure to an oxyacetylene flame at a temperature of 1600 °C. The GF/UHT samples had an improved behavior compared to the GF/Isophen samples, the latter being completely penetrated at the end of the test. Additionally, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) tests were performed and characterized by FTIR spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy.
Source: Applied Sciences
DOI: 10.3390/app16010185
Language: English
Subfield: Ceramics and Composites
Field: Materials Science
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $2,896
Award: G6744407334
OpenAlex ID: W7117143140