Supporting NASA's Ames Research Center, this project's technologies directly address requirements for low-cost, thermal protection materials and manufacturing techniques. This project's technologies offer dramatically reduced material cost with appreciable thermal stability and environmental durability. These properties make Metagraphite a promising material for thermal protection systems and insulators especially in applications where the high strength-to-weight ratio of a polymer is desired. CRG's Metagraphite material has broad applicability for NASA in launch vehicles, aircraft and spacecraft applications where thermal stability, processability, low weight and cost are of concern. This technology's attributes for launch vehicle propulsion system nozzle components should yield a high potential for private sector commercialization for the following areas: -Performance brake pads for high-end automotive manufacturers such as Bentley, Bugatti, Ferrari, Lamborghini, and Porsche. Carbon matrix composites are already used in this high-temperature, high-abrasion application. Metagraphite would offer an affordable alternative to currently used materials -Racing and performance automotive engine components where thermal stability and light weight are absolute necessities. Formula 1 racing, where CRG has performed in past commercial programs, may have significant potential from an R&D perspective -CRG's partners, may aid in transition of this technology into the rail industry for flame-resistant insulation. -Nozzle components and insulators for Commercial Access to Space propulsion systems, such as the rocket engines powering SpaceX Falcon and Virgin Galactic SpaceShipTwo vehicles.
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