MG Elastomer for Advanced Solid Rocket Motor Insulation

Cornerstone Research Group, Inc. proposes continued development of new elastomeric materials (MG Elastomers) for use in solid rocket motor case insulation that are low cost, easy to produce, can integrate with existing manufacturing, and provide a significant performance advancement over incumbent materials. This new material is based on CRG’s family of high temperature organic resins, MG Resins. In Phase I, the program demonstrated feasibility of processing neat resin to incorporate filler materials and of forming and curing insulation samples. Characterization of properties demonstrated comparable (e.g. density, elastic limit, and durometer) and superior (e.g. Tg, char yield, char strength, flammability) characteristics to Kevlar-filled EPDM. In Phase II, CRG will optimize, scale-up, and demonstrate MG Elastomer based insulation in a relevant environment. Optimization will focus on resin cure and insulation processing, expanding the set of MG Elastomer formulations applicable to solid rocket motor insulation. Scale-up will focus on insulation production and quality control from resin to finished article in support of sub-scale demonstrations. These demonstrations will be conducted through relationships with rocket motor manufacturing partners. The Phase II effort will also further the already active commercialization of MG Elastomers in high temperature applications within and without the DoD customer base.