| CFOAM, developed by Touchstone Research Laboratory, Ltd., is a next generation structural material which is inexpensive, lightweight, fire-resistant, impact-absorbing, and which can be thermally insulating or conducting and whose electrical conductivity can be varied over seven orders of magnitude. It can be fabricated in a variety of shapes, sizes, and densities to meet the property requirements of specific applications. These foams will not off-gas at elevated temperatures and will not support ignition. Unlike most metals and ceramics, CFOAM mechanical properties do not deteriorate with increased temperature if protected from oxidization, making carbon foams an attractive thermal protection material. Carbon foams also are tolerant to impact damage and can be repaired in-place using carbonaceous adhesives. They can be bonded easily to dissimilar materials, such as metals or PMCs, for oxidation or further impact protection, respectively. Results from ASTM E1354, ASTM E1515, MIL-STD-1623, Coast Guard IMO, and FTP Code Part I and Part III indicate that CFOAM will pass all key fire tests including radiant panel, smoke generation, toxicity, cone calorimeter, fire resistance, and room corner tests. Information provided by Touchstone Research Laboratory. |
