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Cerablak™ nanocomposites

When prepared as a powder, Cerablak™ contains nanoinclusions of carbon hermetically encapsulated in an amorphous aluminophosphate matrix. The carbon serves as a high emissivity agent and remains protected at elevated temperatures. This nanocomposite powder is dispersed into a suitable slurry formulation for use as a brush-on high emissivity coating.

Next generation thermal protection for space vehicles
High Emissivity Coatings Using Nanostructured Cerablak™
Carbon is an excellent emitter, especially at elevated temperatures, but its use as a high-temperature emissivity agent in oxidizing environments is precluded due to its poor oxidation resistance. Thanks to the low oxygen diffusivity in Cerablak™, even after annealing above 1400°C in air for several hours, carbon is still present as an encapsulated inclusion. Under a NASA-funded program, ATFI is exploring the use of Cerablak™ coatings for metallic and ceramic thermal protection systems.