Aerogel-based Thermal Barriers for Protection of Metal and Polymeric Composite Structures

Current aircraft titanium and polymeric composite materials require thermal barrier coatings to push the material limits and maximize the aircraft mission capabilities. Improvement of the currently used thermal barriers protecting these structures wouldconstitute a major milestone for Air Force. Novel materials and methods are sought to provide durable, lightweight, conformable thermal protection systems. The flexible aerogel materials developed by Aspen Aerogels, Inc. have already demonstratedexcellent insulation performance and resiliency in ultra-high temperature applications. Aspen Aerogels proposes to expand their insulation concept to aerogel-based coatings and flexible tiles requiring low cost acquisition, installation and maintenancecosts. The aerogel materials will improve the durability of the aircraft components, while preserving the substrates' integrity and mechanical properties. On this effort, Aspen Aerogels teams with Northrop Grumman to develop these novel thermal barriersolutions for advanced aircraft components. A follow-on Phase II program will facilitate commercial availability of the proposed solutions leading to lower cost multi-purpose protection aerogel materials for replacement of the current thermal barriersystems. Aerogel materials and application techniques will find use on structures of the turbojets and other sophisticated aircrafts by improving their reliability, efficiency and service life in demanding thermal, acoustic and vibration environments.Novel concepts and materials developed during this project will be commercialized for aviation, aerospace, high-R value ductwork and pipeline systems.