Novel Nanocomposites for Improved Balloon and Ballute Fabrication

New nanocomposites based on thermally stable copolymer matrices are proposed for developing thin film balloon and ballute materials for aerocapture missions. Hybrid nanocomposites of synthetic layered clays and cardo poly(imide-siloxanes) are proposed to achieve ballute materials with temperature capability of over 400C, mass-areal density below 10 g/sm, and stability to sulfuric acid. High emissivity is achieved via in situ thermal reduction of silver complexes. Issues to explore are material strength, space environment durability and lifetime, retention of properties after tight packing, and manufacturing/repair techniques. The proposed materials, if successful, will greatly reduce the cost and size of deep space mission payloads by combining low mass, low undeployed volume with the ability to withstand harsh temperature and chemical conditions.