Research on fabrication and properties of silica/phenolic and carbon/phenolic composites

Abstract

The article presents the technology for manufacturing silica/phenolic (SP) and carbon/phenolic (CP) composite materials using compression molding. SP and CP composite materials are fabricated from fiber sheets (silica or carbon) on a phenolic resin matrix, where the phenolic resin matrix mixture is prepared in a furfural solvent in the presence of urotropin curing agent and AIBN initiator. The experimental results indicate that the studied materials exhibit low density, high stiffness, and high compressive strength. In particular, to evaluate heat resistance and erosion behaviour, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and combustion testing in a solid composite propellant motor were conducted. The mass loss of SP and CP composite materials at temperatures up to 800°C was 34.7 and 33.7%, respectively. When tested in a solid composite propellant motor using SP and CP materials as the nozzle throat insert, the erosion rates of SP and CP materials were 0.552 and 0.348 mm/s, respectively. Therefore, SP and CP composite materials exhibit high mechanical properties, good heat resistance, and erosion resistance under severe conditions.