Effect of graphene for ablation study of advanced composite materials for aerospace applications

Abstract

Graphene was incorporated into elastomeric Matrices using dispersion kneader and two roller mixing mill to fabricate ablative nanocomposites used in hyper-thermal environment encountered by space vehicle or rocket motor. The addition of graphene in the host matrix has remarkably reduced the back face temperature elevation during the ablation testing of the ablatives. The linear and mass ablation resistances have been diminished while insulation indexes of the nanocomposites have been increased the graphene incorporation into the elastomeric matrix. Thermal stability and heat absorbance capability of the polymer nanocomposites were progressed with increasing the filler to matrix ratio. Thermal conductivity of the ablatives have been conducted according to the ASTM E1225-99 and D5470-03, respectively to execute the effect of graphene concentration on the thermal transport characteristics of the tested specimens. Tensile strength of the nanocomposite specimen was augmented with increasing graphene to polymer ratio. Scanning electron microscopy was used to scrutinize the evenly dispersed graphene in the polymer matrix, polymer pyrolysis, and voids formation in the ablated nanocomposites.