Nano-armor of polysilazane-derived ceramics constructed phenolic aerogel composites with integrated performance for extreme heat: mechanically robust, ablation-resistant, and microwave-absorbing
Source abstract
Abstract
Developing phenolic aerogel composites with high compressive strength, excellent ablation resistance, and microwave absorption (MA) performance for extreme environments remains challenging. This study proposes a hierarchical strategy combining polysilazane (PSZ) nano-encapsulation with carbon nanotubes (CNTs) doping. CNTs/hybrid phenolic aerogel composites (HAC) were prepared via sol-gel method. Aerogel particles were then subjected to in-situ cyclic PSZ encapsulation (denoted HAC-Pn), forming a protective SiCN(O) ceramic layer upon high-temperature ceramicization. Results show PSZ encapsulation significantly enhances interparticle neck connections and matrix-fiber interfacial bonding, enhancing room‑temperature compressive strength to 12.72 MPa. After 1000 °C pyrolysis, the PSZ-derived ceramic layer suppressed carbon matrix oxidation, enhancing strength to 51.34 MPa, a 20‑fold increase compared to the unencapsulated composite after the same heat treatment. During ablation, PSZ formed a dense SiCN(O) barrier, reducing the linear ablation rate by 47%. Crucially, PSZ’s dynamic impedance matching mechanism significantly improved high-temperature MA performance. HAC-P3 retained excellent microwave absorption after 900 °C pyrolysis (RLmin = -14.9 dB, EAB = 2.9 GHz in X-band). RCS simulation shows a maximum reduction of 15.24 dB/m2. This work provides a novel approach for lightweight, high-strength, wide-temperature-range MA thermal protection materials.
Source: openalex_inverted_index · Quality: baseline
Research context
OpenAlex topics: Electromagnetic wave absorption materials · Aerogels and thermal insulation · Advanced ceramic materials synthesis
SciVX discovery tags are terminology-based. OpenAlex topics are source-provided classifications.
References (35)
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