Polymer Reinforced, Non-Brittle, Light-Weight Cryogenic Insulation for Reduced Life Cycle Costs

InnoSense LLC (ISL) proposes to fabricate a composite aerogel foam. This material is designed to be impact resistant, non-brittle, non-water-retaining and insulating for cryogenic propellant storage tanks at a reduced life cycle cost. Since typical liquid rocket fuels consist of liquified hydrogen and oxygen, the proposed material must be able to insulate and maintain cryogenic temperatures. Here, ISL proposes to utilize traditional solvent exchange aerogel protocols to "co-foam" silica and a polymeric additive material. The composite material will maintain the thermal properties of traditional aerogels, and also exhibit an increased flexibility due to the incorporation of a porous polymer additive. The Phase I project will demonstrate that it is feasible to fabricate inexpensive, high performance cryogenic insulation foam through traditional aerogel processing techniques. In addition, this material should exhibit high mechanical performance required for fuel tank applications. Process optimization and field-testing will move forward in Phase II in collaboration with a major NASA prime contractor.