XCOR Aerospace said Thursday it has conducted successful tests of the ignition and oxygen compatibility of its new thermoplastic fluoropolymer composite material at NASA's White Sands Test Facility in southwest New Mexico.
"We have been researching this technology since early 2004, and we continue to develop under NASA contract for composite liquid oxygen tanks," said Jeff Greason, XCOR's president. "Shortly after NASA engaged XCOR on this project, we were able to demonstrate materials that were far superior to initial specifications. Indeed, a NASA test lab failed to make it burn in 100 percent oxygen atmosphere."
XCOR expects the new composite to resolve existing problems with cryogenic and liquid oxygen materials. The as-yet-unnamed material can be used by the aerospace industry to produce LOX tanks for fuel cells, life support systems and small secondary propulsion systems such as attitude control thrusters.
The material's thermal insulating properties, non-flammability and high strength-to-weight ratio – which is typical of composites – make it an enabling technology for building lighter, cheaper, more robust structures and systems, the company said in a statement. It also offers numerous advantages over more traditional composites, such as a natural resistance to microcracking, a low coefficient of thermal expansion and an inherent resistance to combustion.
When used in a skin-foam-skin composite, it also serves as thermal insulation as well as structure. It also is durable and repairable, and it can withstand temperature extremes. The fluoropolymer composite maintains strength and flexibility at temperatures from -260 degrees to plus 280 degrees Celsius (-436 degrees to plus 536 degrees Fahrenheit.
