Abstract
A novel ceramizable organic composite was prepared by compression molding using silicone-modified phenolic resin (PR) as the matrix, nano-aluminum oxide powder as the filler, glass powder with low melting point as the forming additive, and vitreous silica fiber as the reinforced material. The ablative characteristics were explored in terms of linear/mass ablation rate and microscopic pattern of ablation via the oxyacetylene torch tests. Thermal stability of the investigated composites was estimated by means of thermogravimetric analysis. The final charring yields after pyrolysis increased from 63% to 69% and 74%, respectively. The silicone-modified PR acted as cross-linking adhesive at low-temperature region and tended to convert to bonding layer at high-temperature region. The formation and growth of the ceramic phase after thermal treatment enhanced the thermal stability and ablation performance of the composites at high-temperature region. The morphology and phase composition of the residual chars were studied by scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive spectroscopy, and X-ray diffraction, respectively. The test results revealed that the modified composite possessed excellent thermal stability and ablation property.
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