Ablative properties, thermal stability, and compressive behaviour of hybrid silica phenolic ablative composites

Silica phenolic composites are used as thermal protection systems for high temperatures applications like at-mospheric re-entry modules, rocket nozzles etc. Lightweight silica phenolic composites (SPGB) were developed using chopped silica fibre, phenolic matrix, and hollow glass microspheres through a compression moulding technique to achieve a cost advantage in thermal protection systems. Ablative properties were evaluated using an Argon plasma jet at a stagnation heat flux of 500 W/cm(2). The mass-loss and erosion rates under plasma exposure reduced up to 48% and 32%, respectively, with the addition of hollow glass microspheres. The heat of ablation of composites increased up to 33%. The thermal degradation behaviour of raw materials and SPGB composites was investigated through thermogravimetric analysis, and the scientific know-how was established. Compressive behaviour under uniaxial loading was evaluated, and the theoretical model for the developed three-component composite was established.

Automated summary

In this study, lightweight silica phenolic composites were developed to achieve cost advantage in thermal protection systems. The addition of hollow glass microspheres reduced the mass-loss and erosion rates under plasma exposure, while increasing the heat of ablation. The thermal degradation behavior and compressive behavior of the composites were investigated, providing scientific knowledge for their application.