Different types of polymer composites are used in launch vehicles and satellite systems. The polymer matrices include polyurethanes, silicones, epoxies, PEEK, phenolics, acrylonitrile – butadiene copolymer [NBR], polyisoprene [NR] etc. Fillers which provide reinforcement, or specific properties may be particulate [eg silica, carbon black, silicon carbide] or fibrous / fabric, continuous or discrete [eg fibre/fabric of carbon, silica fabric, Kevlar, glass etc]. Such composites are extensively used for structural parts, coatings, thermal protection systems (TPS), speciality coatings, adhesives, sealants, etc in various stages of launch vehicle and satellites. In many cases, the properties are evaluated after blending the systems by trial and error that demands enormous experimentation, time and energy and work. This proposal envisages modeling structure – property relationships in a few such polymer composites systems using computational chemistry techniques like molecular mechanics (MM), molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, Monte Carlo simulations etc. for prediction of physical properties, mechanical behavior and rheological properties.
The surface characteristics of polymer chains [different molecular weights, surface group] and particulate reinforcements [different sizes, loadings] would be modeled to generate the possible interactions, filler adsorption and temperature effects.
The environment of individual groups can be examined using molecular mechanics and the energetic of assume relaxation mechanisms such as ring rotation or functional group deformation can be calculated. Simulations can be used to study the amorphous systems below or above the glass transition or melting temperature.
OBJECTIVES
Broadly speaking, the proposal envisages modeling the interactions in filled polymer composite systems with special focus on particulate composites used in launch vehicles and spacecraft. Typical examples are silicon carbide-siloxane, silica-siloxane, micro cell-phenolic/ epoxy which are in use at different stages in space applications
The objectives include:
