TABLE OF CONTENTS Three application examples are selected for this section: ( a) elastomer nanocomposites for propulsion systems, ( b) thermoplastic elastomer nanocomposites for propulsion systems, and ( c) flame-retardant thermoplastic polyurethane nanocomposites. These examples are used to illustrate the processing and characterization techniques to form the resulting polymer nanocomposites. Flammability, thermal, and mechanical properties, and performance characteristics for their specific applications are included.
Polymer nanostructured ablatives have been prepared by blending an elastomer polymer system with carbon nanofibers. Thermal gravimetric analyses (TGA) and SEM analyses were used to characterize these materials in a laboratory and a scaled solid rocket motor heating environment. Kevlar -filled, ethylene-propylene-diene rubber (EPDM) is used as motor insulation in solid rocket propulsion systems.100 EPDM blends consisting of Kevlar fibers and carbon nanofibers are also included in this study. Results of various TGA tests at different heating rates and SEM analyses of virgin and charred samples will be shown.
Materials. Ethylene-propylene-diene rubber (EPDM) filled with silica or Kevlar has been used in propulsion systems for both thermal and ablation protection. Carbon nanofibers were blended with Kelvar-filled EPDM.
Thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA). The TGA data compiled in these studies were collected using a TA Instruments Model TGA 2050. Sample sizes of 15 to 20 mg of EPDM/CNF were used. The TGA samples were taken from the centers of the bulk samples for dispersion uniformity. Only one large piece was used,...
