Innovative Burn Resistant Material System

ABSTRACT: Liquid rocket propulsion systems require the use of high pressure LOX/GOX, and therefore have the need for LOX/ GOX compatible materials. This is especially true with LOX turbopumps which are exposed to or submerged in LOX and exposed to high pressure-high temperature GOX during operation. LOX/GOX compatible materials are also needed for injectors, valves, and oxygen rich turbines. LOX resistant materials, also known as combustion resistant materials, will not burn when in contact with LOX/GOX. Some materials may be compatible only up to a certain pressure level or flow velocity; however, materials that are compatible with LOX/GOX at all pressure and flow velocity levels are needed for use in advanced liquid rocket propulsion systems. Throughout the evolution of the gas turbines, materials with specific benefits have been applied as surface treatments when the material alone does not have sufficient structural strength. This effort proposes the application of a robust burn resistant vitreous enamel coating to components exposed to LOX and high temperature and pressure GOX. Initial testing performed during the SBIR Phase I program established that the coating system could be consistently applied, was tolerant to thermal shock, was microstructural stability over time, and was resistant to ignition events. BENEFIT: Low cost burn resistant coating system for ox-rich staged combustion rocket turbopumps. Due to thermal insulating benefits there is a potential for application as a low cost thermal barrier coating for use in military and commercial aircraft engine, and industrial gas turbines.