Research into mechanical properties of an ablative composite on a polymer matrix base with aerogel particles

In order to check the possibility of using the powder aerogel as an additive to the matrix of the polymer ablative composite, experimental tests of the material strength of the composite as well as tests of tribological properties and Shore D hardness depending on the amount of the dispersed phase in the form of powder aerogel were carried out. In order to perform the tests, were prepared samples differing in the percentage of the amount of aerogel addition and the temperature of cross-linking of the composite before the test. Based on the study, it can be concluded that the use of an aerogel additive deteriorated the mechanical properties of the composite in relation to the base material (without the additive). As a result of adding aerogel, the structure of the composite changes. A material with slightly reduced strength properties is obtained, but with additional properties that will be the subject of further research by the authors. The composite with the addition of aerogel also benefits from the reduced density, which is very important when using such a material in aircraft construction.