Keeping Cool in Extreme HeatA new foam knows how to keep its cooleven under extreme high temperatures.NASA's Langley Research Center neededa lightweight foam that could retain itsstructural integrity under temperaturesranging from -423 to +482 °F, for itssecond-generation Reusable LaunchVehicles (RLV).Langley's RLV airframe design requirednew insulation material for the fuel tanks,which are exposed to extreme temperaturechanges over a matter of seconds.Through a partnership with Unitika Ltd.,NASA's Langley Research Center createda foam based on high temperature resistantpolyimide chemistry. The patented foam,named TEEK, is non-exclusively licensedto SORDAL, Inc., of Holland, Michigan.The new low-density foam can be processedinto forms or used to fill structures suchas honeycomb. Also unique is its abilityto foam in place during installation andrepair operations. Most foam must be cutto fit a certain area, and then insertedand molded. This process takes time, andusually a great deal of the product iswasted in the attempt to fit the foam.The new foam is directly applied to theinstallation or repair site, eliminatingthe excess foam that is typically cut awayand discarded.TEEK offers superior insulation and supportqualities, but its greatest advantage isits heat and flame resistance abilities.The TEEK polyimide foam met all of NASA'sneeds and also managed to drasticallyreduce the weight of the RLV.~ Full Article @NASA STI Spinoff
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