KES7-0130
Boron Nitride Nanotube (BNNT) and BNNT Composites for Extreme Aerospace Environments
Topic
S7. Innovations in Polymeric Composites: From Design and Processing to Industrial Applications
When and Where
Sep 30, 2026
10:20 - 10:45
Room 107
Session Chairs
Seokhoon AHN
Presenter(s)
Cheol Park (NASA Langley Research Center)
Co-Author(s)
Abstract
Extreme aerospace environments present harsh challenges, including aerodynamic heating, corrosive and caustic damage, extreme thermal conditions and cycling, abrasive lunar dust, impacts from micrometeoroids and space debris, space radiation, extreme vacuum, microgravity, and thrust plume ejecta. These conditions, along with their synergistically adverse effects, make the advancement in aerospace vehicle technology and space exploration extremely challenging. Exceedingly robust and advanced materials and structures are needed to protect crew and equipment, extending the aeronautical performance and space missions longer and safer with minimal service and repair needs. Recent progress at NASA on advanced multifunctional structural materials will be highlighted, including boron nitride nanotube (BNNT) and BNNT composites, bio-based sustainable aircraft composites, covalent adaptable networks (CAN) reversible composites, radiation shielding materials, and solar sail materials.
