Toughened Hafnium Nitride Cermets for KKV Propulsion Systems

"This proposal addresses MDA's stated requirement to significantly improve the affordability, maintainability and technical performance characteristics of kinetic kill vehicle propulsion hardware; specifically, divert and attitude control system (DACS)components. In light of these challenges, Exothermics proposes that a new, ultrahigh temperature-capable category of refractory nitride cermets (two phase metallic + ceramic materials) be developed, using hafnium nitride as the primaryoxidation/erosion-resistant and ultrahigh temperature constituent phase. These hafnium nitride (HfN) cermets should show excellent potential to enhance the performance and significantly lower the manufacturing cost of KKV DACS components. The combinationof favorable manufacturing economics, prospects for ductile phase toughening, reduced system weight and excellent high temperature properties could significantly improve the affordability and performance characteristics of high-performance KKV DACS andtactical missile hardware. Phase 1 efforts will focus on development of three HfN cermet compositions. Phase 1 will conclude with fabrication of a limited number of mechanical test specimens and solid rocket motor blasttube articles. If the proposed workis successful, HfN cermets will show the potential to displace or substantially reduce the use of more costly ceramic composites or precious metals in rocket nozzle or liner applications. The availability o