This innovation will develop nonmetallic composites for use in missile launch facilities. The objective of this project is to formulate a composite that will meet the NASA launch environment requirements and can be produced by the pultrusion process. Through an extensive series of tests on numerous laboratory fabricated composites, a single composite for Phase II is desired. Materials to be examined are heat-resistant resins, various fibers, conductive fillers and veils to dissipate charge, and additives to retard flame and to prevent photolytic degradation. An initial study characterizing neat resin properties will examine propellant compatibility, flammability, and pultrusion processibility. Then simulated pultruded composites will be fabricated using high-pressure RTM processing. This operation is vital to the success of the program since it will conserve material and provide numerous composite test specimens of varying compositions. Thermoset resins consisting of phenolic, novalac-triazine, cyanates, BMI, and toughened epoxies will be evaluated using S-glass and Kevlar fibers. Conductive fillers or carbon veils will dissipate charge. Preliminary design criteria, galvanic corrosion, and the overall economics will be examined. This study will provide NASA with valuable state-of-the-art information on high-performance pultrusions suitable for launch facilities.The technology can be applied in missile launch facilities, offshore drilling operations, and the chemical industry. Of particular interest is the aircraft industry where the need for tough, flame-safe materials is needed.resin, pultrusion, composite, high-temperature, trioelectric, fiberglass
