Abstract: Methods of making a graphitic carbon-carbon composite from thermosetting polymer resin include (a) infusing bis-Schiff base resin into a carbon fiber reinforcement to form an uncured resin embedded composite, (b) positioning the uncured resin embedded composite on a substrate under a vacuum enclosure, (c) curing the bis-Schiff base resin at a first elevated temperature under vacuum to form a polymer matrix composite, (d) heating the polymer matrix composite at a second elevated temperature under inert atmosphere to form a porous carbon-carbon composite, (e) re-infusing bis-Schiff base resin into the porous carbon-carbon composite and curing under vacuum at a third elevated temperature to generate a reinfused porous carbon-carbon composite, and (f) heating the reinfused porous carbon-carbon composite at a fourth elevated temperature under inert gas to form the graphitic carbon-carbon composite.

Abstract: Methods of producing a fiber reinforced polymer matrix composite and a composite thermal protection system formed from the same. The method includes forming a polymerized fiber reinforced composite which including a cured thermoset polymer matrix and at least one reinforcement material. The method further includes treating at least a portion of a first face of the polymerized fiber reinforced composite with electromagnetic radiation to raise the temperature of the portion of the first face to at least 800° C. to produce a surface layer of graphitized carbon and a bulk polymerized fiber reinforced composite representing the untreated polymerized fiber reinforced composite. Further, the surface layer of graphitized carbon has an electrical conductivity of 0.25 S m?1 to 2.5 S m?1 where the electrical conductivity and a thermal conductivity are both greater than those of the bulk polymerized reinforced composite.

Abstract: A chemical formulation having at least one solvent and a chemical having the structure of Formula (I): where R includes at least one aromatic moiety, and X and X? may both or independently include an aromatic moiety, an aliphatic moiety, or a hydrogen.

Abstract: Methods of producing a carbon matrix composite are provided which include preparing a carbon matrix composite precursor comprising at least one carbon-based reinforcement material and a cured thermoset polymer matrix comprising a chemical composition in accordance with Formula I where n and m are integers, at least one of R1 or R2 comprises an aromatic moiety, and X is selected from the group consisting of CH2, NH, O, S, SO2, and combinations thereof. The methods further include heating the carbon matrix composite precursor in air to a first processing temperature of between 300° C. and 500° C. to form a carbon matrix composite intermediate, and heating the carbon matrix composite intermediate in nitrogen to a second processing temperature of between 900° C. to 1650° C. and holding at the second processing temperature for at least 1 hour in an inert gas environment to form the carbon matrix composite.

Abstract: Multistage thermal trigger devices disclosed herein may include a first stage and a second stage, wherein the first stage activates at a first temperature, and wherein the second stage activates at a second temperature. The first stage activates an arming assembly so that the second stage is armed. The second stage may then activate the output of the multistage thermal trigger device, via the arming assembly, when the second temperature is reached. An autoignition material (AIM) capsule is also disclosed herein. The AIM capsule may be deployed in connection with the disclosed multistage thermal trigger devices.

Abstract: A retention, release, and separation device is disclosed. The device includes a clip to secure a component and a capturing sleeve to secure the clip and prevent release of the component. The capturing sleeve can alternately facilitate displacement of the clip to release the component. The device also includes a separation piston that provides a separation force to the component to actively separate the component from the device upon release of the component. Additionally, the device includes a fluid source to provide a fluid pressure sufficient to displace the capturing sleeve and the separation piston, and to generate the separation force.

Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates a high strength, low weight, and low shock rocket body separating joint for the purpose of joining rocket bodies, and method of assembly thereof. The solution combines a radax joint, joined by fasteners, with a flattened bladder and inflation system coupled thereto. Upon activation of the inflation system, the bladder is pressurized and exerts a separating force between the members of the radax joint, overcoming the load carrying capability of the fasteners and breaking apart the radax joint.