Development of Lyocell-Based High Temperature Composites for Structural Insulator Applications

Materials Research & Design, Inc. submits this Phase II SBIR proposal to address Rayon Replacement for High Temperature Materials. The proposed program seek to demonstrate repeatable processability of low conductivity, low modulus, high strength, Lyocell-Based materials that can provide sustained, domestic replacement for rayon based structural insulators. MR&D will manage the program and perform micromechanical property predictions, detailed stress analyses, data correlation, and recommend improved materials. Allcomp, Inc. (City of Industry, CA) will perform fabrication trials with Lyocell fabric to determine fabrication parameters that result in desirable Lyocell based composites. Southern Research (SR) will perform materials characterization testing on the Lyocell based structural insulation exhibiting the most desirable properties. MR&D has previously investigated Lyocell base insulation and been involved in a number of programs that aimed to address the need for a viable domestic replacement for rayon based structural insulators. The properties of rayon and therefore, rayon based composites and insulators are attractive for short use time, high heat rate environments. MR&D aims to further develop high temperature Lyocell-based materials for structural insulation with low conductivity, low stiffness, and sufficient in plane strength in thermo-structural applications.Approved for Public Release | 18-MDA-9522 (23 Feb 18)