Investigation of Resin Systems for Improved Ablative Materials

This final report describes the work performed to advance the state-of-the-art of resin matrices required for improved ablative materials for use with high energy fluorine-containing liquid propellant systems. This was accomplished through a comprehensive theoretical and experimental study which (a) defined critical parameters controlling the effectiveness of resins in ablative systems, (b) synthesized new resins and determined critical properties of new and modified resins, and (c) recommended resins for future use. The critical resin properties which influence the effectiveness of ablative composites were determined analytically in order that criteria could be established for the synthesis and property testing of new and modified resins. As a result of these studies, criteria were provided for directing and selecting promising areas of resin synthesis and modification. Several new polymer systems with improved properties were proposed, evaluated and recommended for future study. Poly (cyclized 1, 2 polybutadiene) tolylurethane ladder polymers, poly alkaline earth metal acrylates, phosphate bonded oxides, modified polyimides and several other organic and inorganic systems were conceived and/or evaluated during this program to meet the property requirements identified analytically.