Polymer Nanostructured Materials for Propulsion Systems

The introduction of inorganic nanomaterials as additives into polymer systems has resulted in polymer nanostructured materials exhibiting a multiplicity of high-performance characteristics beyond what traditional polymer composites possess. These multifunctional features attributable to polymer nanocomposites consist of improved thermal and flame resistance, moisture and chemical resistance, decreased permeability, charge dissipation, and thermal/electricity conductivity. Through control/alteration of the additive at the nanoscale level, one is able to maximize property enhancement of selected polymer systems to meet or exceed the requirements of current conunercial, military, and aerospace applications. The technical approach involves the introduction of nanoparticles into selected polymer matrix systems whereby nanoparticles may be surface-treated to provide hydrophobic characteristics and enhanced inclusion into the hydrophobic polymer matrix. The objectives of this paper are to summarize our current research efforts in the use of polymer nanostructured materials for high-temperature applications such as rocket nozzle ablative materials, resulting in lower ablation rates and reduced backside temperatures, carbon-carbon composites with improved thermo-oxidative resistance, and enhanced damage-tolerant high-performance epoxy matrix resin, but not carried over to carbon-fiber-reinforced composite systems.