Ultra-low Diffusivity High Temperature Capable Insulation Navy SBIR FY2015.1 Sol No.: Navy SBIR FY2015.1 Topic No.: N151-079 Topic Title: Ultra-low Diffusivity High Temperature Capable Insulation Proposal No.: N151-079-0233 Firm: Sporian Microsystems, Inc. 515 Courtney Way Suite B Lafayette, Colorado 80026-8821 Contact: Yiping Liu Phone: (303) 516-9075 Web Site: www.sporian.com Abstract: Hypersonic flight induces severe heat loads so non-load bearing thermal insulation must be compact and erosion/oxidation resistance at high-temperatures up to 1200A�C with reduced thermal diffusivity and insulation volumes. Sporian propose to investigate SiCN based porous insulation materials, innovative textile architectures, and multilayer insulations (MLI) for ceramic matrix composite (CMC) thermal protection systems (TPSs). Sporian has developed SiCN based polymer derived ceramics (PDC) for high temperature (>1400A�C) applications. As an amorphous material, SiCN based ceramics have low thermal diffusivity/conductivity, low density, high strength, and high fracture toughness. Doped SiCN can withstand oxidation and water vapor corrosion and are thermally stable in inert environments up to 1800A�C. We have previously made SiCN foams for 1400A�C combustion gas filtering applications. Superior to powder slurries, the liquid polymer processing nature makes it suitable for producing fully dense SiBCN ceramic structures of lightweight foam using the replication approach. With matching thermal expansion coefficients (CTEs), the SiBCN foam can be combined with high strength SiC based CMCs for advanced load bearing insulation applications. In Phase I, we propose to develop proof of concept state-of-the-art SiBCN based insulating foam materials with ultra-low diffusivity achievable through advanced fabrication technologies. Feasibility will be demonstrated. Benefits: Sporian anticipates development of porous SiBCN based insulation materials with ultra-low diffusivity for ceramic matrix composite (CMC) based hypersonic thermal protection (TPS) systems. This material will be attractive for high-temperature harsh environment applications in military, homeland security and commercial propulsion and turbine engine systems. The high-temperature insulation materials could help to limit heat transfer to support structures and internal electronics and provide thermal protection for critical components. Return