Silane-modified phenolic resin for enhancing mechanical and thermal properties of quartz knitted fabric
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: Fabrics are widely utilized in various fields, including aerospace due to their outstanding properties such as lightweight and flexibility. However, under high-temperature conditions, fabrics face challenges including property degradation and reduced structural stability, while the practical application for large deformation is seriously underestimated. To develop a deformable ablative thermal insulation material, silane-modified phenolic resin (PR) reinforced quartz knitted fabric (PR-Si/QKF) was fabricated, and its mechanical and thermal properties were systematically investigated. The results indicated that the maximum decomposition temperature of PR-Si resin increase from 504°C to 583°C, while the residual carbon content increase from 47% to 58%. The PR-Si/QKF exhibited a fracture load of approximately 400 N and an elongation at break of about 240%. Compared with untreated QKF, the tensile strength was significantly enhanced by up to 304%, accompanied by a marked reduction in plastic deformation. Moreover, PR-Si/QKF demonstrated excellent fatigue resistance after 10 cycles to 20% tensile strain, and large out-of-plane bulging deformation capability. In addition, it showed superior thermal insulation, oxidation and ablative resistance properties under high-temperature and oxygen-rich environments. The PR-Si/QKF provides a promising approach for deformable ablative thermal insulation applications and is suitable for flexible thermal protection systems. • PR-Si/QKF with large 3D deformation was prepared via simple method. • The tensile strength and elongation of PR-Si/QKF increase 304% and 132%. • PR-Si/QKF exhibits excellent thermal insulation, oxidation and ablation resistance. • Novel deformable ablative insulation for flexible thermal protection systems.
Source: Polymer Testing
Authors: Baolu Shi, Baosheng Xu
Institution: Beijing Institute of Technology
Language: English
Subfield: Ceramics and Composites
Field: Materials Science
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $3,370
Award: G4783618526
OpenAlex ID: W7125160982