High Temperature Matrices for Filament Wound Composites

Despite the extensive research expended on developing high Tg resins for composite filament winding applications, these resins require heated processing which limits their general acceptance in current production facilities. Novel filament winding matrix resins are therefore proposed to overcome this limitation. TRI/Austin will develop a new class of hybrid resins that will offer the desired combination of high Tg and low viscosity. In addition, a mechanism will be investigated whereby a thermal barrier skin effect will protect the composite from extreme temperatures. This may be relevant in terms of eliminating the secondary thermal barrier coating that is sometimes necessary on rocket motor casings. Additional low viscosity high Tg candidate resins will be identified and used for comparison to the hybrid resin systems developed. TRI/Austin's team for the Phase I effort will include experts in the field of rocket motor filament winding technologies. These experts include personnel from a prominent rocket motor manufacturer that has been in business for over 50 years and has extensive experience in solid propellant rocket and gas generator development and production. Processing and performance requirements will be identified to ensure that the developed matrix resins comply with the end-use and manufacturing requirements.