Title:
Vacuum Infusion Process Development for Conformal Ablative Thermal Protection System Materials
Vacuum Infusion Process Development for Conformal Ablative Thermal Protection System Materials
Author(s)
Sidor, Adam T.
Braun, Robert D.
Beck, Robin A.
Stackpoole, Margaret M.
Braun, Robert D.
Beck, Robin A.
Stackpoole, Margaret M.
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Abstract
Conformal ablators are low density composite materials comprised of a flexible fibrous
substrate and polymer matrix. These materials are fabricated to near net shape by placing
the substrate in a rigid, matched mold and infusing with liquid resin in an open, vacuum{
assisted immersion process. This process, originally developed for older rigid substrate
ablators such as PICA, wastes a substantial amount of resin. In this work, a vacuum
infusion process - a type of liquid composite molding where resin is directly injected into a
closed mold under vacuum - is advanced for conformal ablators. The process reduces waste
over the state-of-the-art technique and may eliminate the need for an atmosphere-controlled
oven. Small, at samples of Conformal Phenolic Impregnated Carbon Ablator are infused
using the new approach and subjected to a range of curing configurations and conditions.
Resulting materials are inspected for quality and compared to material produced using
the standard process. Density, resin mass fraction and char yield are measured. Lessons
learned inform subsequent plans for process scale up.
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Date Issued
2017-09
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Text
Resource Subtype
Paper
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