Mechanically Strong Polymide Aerogels (MSPA-ACO)

Aerogel Technologies and NASA GRC will work together to improve materials properties of polyimide aerogels to make them suitable for rocket fairing and other aerospace applications and to characterize the improved polyimide aerogels for the specifications required for adoption in commercial space vehicles. Materials properties improvements include: introduction of hydrophobicity and water uptake resistance through monomer selection and patterning, and statistical design of experiments (DoE); optimization of acoustic and vibration attenuation properties, thermal insulating properties, and lower density through statistical DoE; formulation of materials using cost-effective, scalable, domestically sourceable monomers; and formulation of materials that pass flammability requirements of FAR 25.853. Materials characterizations include: sound transmission loss and absorption properties; materials properties as a function of temperature from 20 to 100°F; transient liquid water uptake and properties upon drying; properties after exposure to humidity; encapsulated heat flux; outgassing mass loss; non-volatile cleanliness; molecular contamination; charging, electrostatic discharge, and electric field response; shelf life estimates from accelerated testing; and material tolerance to vibration environment.

Optimizaiton of properties of polymer aerogels with respect to acoustic applications for use as multipurpose structures for launch vehicles (acoustic mitigation, thermal insulation) will have multiple benefits to GRC and the community. GRC polyimide aerogel technology advanced in the area of acoustics and in-space conditions, establishes GRC as a leader in acoustic materials development, provides commercial entity licensing polyimide aerogels with acoustic and other properties of the aerogels, advances tech transfer; acoustic properties are cross-cutting technology needs in aero as well as space (aircraft interiors, lightweight multifunctional structures).

The proposed effort is an extension of the partnership between NASA GRC and Aerogel Technologies in commercializing NASA's mechanically strong aerogels with the joint goals of producing improved products, lowering manufacturing costs, on-shoring supply chains, and enabling adoption for space vehicles at NASA and by the commercial space industry. NASA's expertise in materials and characterization would enable the ability for Aerogel Technologies to bring the benefit of these materials back to NASA. Fabrication of multi-functional polyimide aerogel with properties tailored for aerospace will enable design simplification by consolidating disparate functions into a single material envelope. The proposed materials would benefit NASA by light-weighting of rocket payload fairings, aviation interiors, and UAVs via improved sound transmission loss and thermal super-insulating properties unique to aerogels in a dust-free and low-density material envelope.

This is early/mid-stage (TRL 4) — the most realistic path in is NASA SBIR/STTR, which funds small businesses and research institutions to develop technology aligned with NASA's needs (equity-free, phased funding). Check whether a current SBIR/STTR solicitation topic overlaps with this project's technology area, or contact the project directly (above) to ask.

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