Interlaminar properties, ablation resistance and thermal diffusivity of Carbon/Phenolic Composites (CPCs) derived from optimized high char yield matrices: A comparison with MX-4926 and FM-5014

Carbon/Phenolic Composites (CPCs) are used to manufacture many portions of the nozzle assembly of Solid Rocket Motors (SRMs) which are essential both to preserve the independent access to space as well as for the homeland security. In our research a new family of low cost, high char yield CPCs manufactured using ultra common raw materials -such as T300-like Polyacrylonitrile (PAN) based Carbon Fibers (PAN-CFs) -and having high values of Inter Laminar Shear Strength (ILSS) have been identified. Nanocomposite based CPCs were also produced. The interlaminar properties, ablation resistance and thermal diffusivity of the manufactured CPCs were studied. A unique and comprehensive work of comparison with state-of-the-art CPCs such as MX-4926 and FM-5014 has also been carried out evidencing the merits of the formulations produced in our work.