NASA- Material Science Technology Transfer and Commercialization

Goal: The primary goal was to technology transfer a thermal protection material science technology from the laboratory, and now for use aboard the NASA Space Shuttle External Tank Program, to the commercial marketplace. The other goal was to move research and manufacturing operations from the Denver aerospace laboratory and transfer the operations to a NASA Space Shuttle manufacturing facility in New Orleans, and then market worldwide to the airline and defense markets.

The other goal was to create a new business unit on a NASA government-own facility and commercialize the manufacturing and marketing efforts from that location. The thermal protection material is a filled elastomeric silicone which is available in either a sprayable or trowelable form. The sprayable material can be applied using conventional spray equipment for large area primary applications. The trowelable/moldable material can be used for small area applications or as a repair material for damage to the sprayable insulation.

Results: The creation of a thermal protection business unit, new product development activity, extensive operation plan and marketing plan resulted in targeting the defense programs, turbojet manufacturers and airline design specification worldwide for commercial and military aviation markets. MA-25 and MI-15 products were developed. MA-25 is a medium density, room temperature curing, ablator/insulator which has been used extensively for thermal protection on aircraft and space launch vehicles.

On the Space Shuttle, short duration exposure to temperatures exceeding 1200 °F may be encountered. In aircraft engine applications, continuous use temperatures range between 300-600°F. The MA-25 material has been FAA certified for fire proof protection of fan thrust reversers per FAR Part 25.1181a and FAA Advisory Circular AC 20-135. The material is a filled elastomeric silicone which is available in either a sprayable or trowelable form.

The sprayable material (Type I) can be applied using conventional spray equipment (see in table below) for large area primary applications. The trowelable/moldable material (Type II) can be used for small area applications or as a repair material for damage to the sprayable insulation. MA-25 can also be obtained in pre-cured sheet form for secondary bonding applications. MI-15 is a low density, room temperature curing, ablator/insulator which has been used extensively for thermal protection on aircraft and space launch vehicles. In aircraft engine applications, continuous use temperatures range between 300-600°F. The MI-15 material has been certified for fire proof protection of fan thrust reversers per FAR Part 25.1181a and FAA Advisory Circular AC 20-135.

Measurements:The successful creation of a new commercial business unit on a NASA-goverment owned facility and program. The products materials were designed and specified in Pratt Whitney and General Electric future aircraft engine nacelle and thrust reversers developments for fire protection. Also, United Airlines and Lufthansa, and Defense helicopter and transport programs incorporated thermal protection specifications for their designs.