Development of polyimide-nanosilica filled EPDM based light rocket motor insulator compound: Influence of polyimide-nanosilica loading on thermal, ablation, and mechanical properties

Thermal protection materials are necessary to protect structural components of launch vehicles during lift-off of launching system. The present study deals with the development of a novel thermally protected light rocket motor insulator compound (RMIC) of polyimide-silica filled EPDM nanocomposites. The insulation compound prepared for the studies comprised of aromatic polyimide and nanosilica particles. The addition of these materials in rocket insulator compound enhanced the multifunctional thermal and insulation characteristics. EPDM when grafted with maleic anhydride, contributed polarity in the non-polar EPDM matrix. Nanosilica contributes specifically better erosion resistance. SEM and TEM micrograph of EPDM nanocomposites exhibits good dispersion of nanosilica in polyimide-EPDM matrix. Nanocomposite formation was characterised by FTIR. Density, co-efficient of thermal expansion, thermal conductivity, ablation rate, specific heat, maximum thermal degradation, char yield and mechanical properties of the RMIC have been measured. This developmental study may find wide scope for commercial exploitation. (C) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.