Non-Ablative 5000F MKV Divert Valve Insulator

In this MDA Phase I SBIR program, MATECH/GSM proposes to fabricate a non-ablative insulator that can withstand temperatures in excess of 5,000 degrees F. MATECH will use its low cost melt-blown "Net-to-Shape" process and new polymer chemistry to zirconium oxycarbide (ZrOC). This is similar in all respects to our demonstrated silicon oxycarbide (SiOC) melt blown mats and TPS. MATECH has machinery in place to continuously melt blow 7 inch wide mat strips, up to 25 feet in length, have been made to date. MATECH's new chemistry to ZrOC has been formulated recently using a water soluble pre-ceramic zirconium peroxide polymer which can be combined with a water soluble organic polymer as a carbon source. This permits great control over the final carbon content and is a direct route to stoichiometric ZrOC ceramic fiber with a ceramic yield of approximately 83.6 weight percent. MATECH has, therefore, demonstrated a TRL level of 4 for polymer chemistry and process technology for this key Phase I SBIR program. ATK (Elkton, MD) is designing the MKV Divert Valve and is actively participating in this Phase I SBIR program.