TPS for Hypersonic Applications

High temperature resistant Thermal Protection System (TPS) materials are critical to the success of new hypersonic weapons and related U.S. defense modernization priorities. Each material's temperature capability, durability and weight determine the extent of its application on the vehicle. Improvements to these materials have been the subject of much research as enhanced capability material (i.e., more durability, higher temperature capability, greater thermal shock resistance and lower thermal conductivity) improves thermal protection material and vehicle performance. Once developed and implemented within a design, these materials often possess a single point of failure (SPOF) or multiple SPOF’s within a single supply chain. The DoD has identified SPOF as a significant threat to defense rated programs. One such product is Rayon Carbon replacement material “Low-fired-Stretch-Broken-PAN-Fiber” (LSSP). LFSP is coated with phenolic resin into a prepreg system then processed into rocket motor exit cones by tape wrapping or employed within acreage area Hypersonic Aeroshells via carbon-carbon (C-C) processing. Alkemix Corporation is pleased to offer a solution that is independent of the current PAN-based supply chain. The LFSP replacement will possess the following added benefits; 1) a high char yield resin matrix which will meet ablative thermal properties; 2) higher thermal mechanical properties, and 3) reduced C-C processing time than the currently employed prepreg system. Another identified SPOF is aerospace grade silica fabric used in reinforced composites for nozzle, motor case and control surface insulation within strategic and tactical propulsion systems. Alkemix proposes a process to convert commercial grade silica fabric to aerospace grade purity which provides the DoD a completely independent and domestic second source of supply.