Polymer nanocomposites as ablative materials—a comprehensive review

A comprehensive review was conducted on the research and development of polymer nanocomposites used as thermal protection systems (TPS) for re-entry vehicles and as nozzle and internal insulation materials for propulsion systems. This paper summarizes the significant R&D efforts on the studies of nanostructured ablative materials by scientists from China, India, Italy, Iran, and the US for the past decade. Thermoset, thermoplastics, elastomers, and thermoplastic elastomers were used as polymer matrices. Nanomaterials, such as montmorillonite organoclays, carbon nanofibers (CNFs), polyhedral oligomeric silssequioxanes (POSS), nanosilicas, nanoalumina, carbon black, and carbon nanotubes (CNTs) were incorporated into the different resin matrices as nanofillers. Conventional fibers, such as asbestos, carbon, glass, and silica, were used as reinforcements. Ablation mechanisms were studied and proposed by the researchers on their nanostructured ablatives.