Polybenzoxazine Aerogels for Insulation in 38% Oxygen Environments

The proposed work will develop aerogels for insulation based on novel polybenzoxazine resins that exhibit ultra-low flammability in high oxygen concentration environments. These aerogels are designed to provide thermal insulation in high oxygen concentration environments up to 38% vol oxygen. Flame resistance will be provided through the molecular design of the polybenzoxazine structure. The molecular structure of the polymer and the microstructure of the material are both specifically designed to achieve three critical performance characteristics: ultra-low flammability, excellent, thermal insulation, and very low density. This directly targets the need for materials suitable for service in exploration environments where the oxygen concentration may be as high as 38% vol due to habitat, cabin, and vehicle environment optimization. This proposal highlights an aerogel microstructure structure most suitable for thermal insulation applications. However, the ultra-low flammability polybenzoxazine is anticipated to have additional applications such as acoustic barriers, packaging, panels, and other slab, sheet, film, and molded applications. This approach provides a path towards addressing the needs for materials that can perform in high oxygen environments. Performance will be evaluated using NASA-STD-6001B Test 1 Upward Flame Propagation at 38% vol oxygen.