Toughened Uni-Piece Fibrous Insulation (TUFI)

An improved low density rigid ceramic composite called Toughened Uni-Piece Fibrous Insulation (TUFI) has been developed that is between twenty and one hundred times more resistant to impact than the Reaction Cured Glass (RCG) coating currently used on Space Shuttle reusable surface insulation (RSI) tiles. TUFI performs as well as the baseline RCG coated insulation in a convectively heated environment at temperatures in excess of 1260 degrees C (2300 degrees F) and is very lightweight, can be machined and molded, and has manipulatable properties such as density, thickness, and surface porosity. These unique features make TUFI an ideal material for multiple applications.

In order to obtain desired improvements of RSI coatings, a new process was developed in which the density of the system's surface was intentionally reduced from that of the fully dense RCG. In addition, the quantity of coating applied to the surface was increased to about twice that used in the RCG system, allowing further enhancement of the system's toughness. The more porous surface permits a substantial increase in coating thickness with less increase in weight. The large number of open pores effectively inhibits crack propagation from impact sites and permits easy re-waterproofing by simple absorption into the RSI which was not possible with the impervious RCG. Improved surface toughness also minimizes damage to the RSI substrate as a result of impact.

Potential Commercial Uses

• Use in construction for improved, lightweight drywall, ceiling material, and roofing shingles.
  
• Thin, lightweight firewalls placed between housing units or throughout building structures that prevent fire from spreading to adjoining rooms. This use of TUFI would also enhance existing thermal and acoustic insulation(s).
  
• Insulating boxes for electrical units and wiring. This utility is ideal for buildings that house volatile materials or valuable artifacts where an electrical fire would be extremely costly.
  
• Lightweight tools designed to work with heated objects or in extreme heat environments.
  
• Bricks made of TUFI for use in furnaces and fireplaces where temperatures do not consistently exceed 2200 degrees F.

Benefits

• Thermal protection qualities: Provides excellent thermal protection in excess of 1260 degrees C (2300 deg. F).
  
• Lightweight: A porous substrate and surface material allow TUFI to be very lightweight while maintaining its thermal protection capabilities.
  
• Moldable: TUFI has the ability to be shaped and formed by using molds during the sintering process of production.
  
• Machinable: TUFI can be machine drilled, mitered, jointed, sawed, sanded, and stamped.
  
• Ease of waterproofing: Porous body permits ease of waterproofing and re-waterproofing.
  
• Insulating qualities: Possesses superb insulating qualities that would enhance existing thermal and acoustic insulation in any structure.
  
• Manipulatable properties: TUFI can be custom tailored for specific applications having manipulatable options including density, thickness, shape, strength, porosity of surface, and surface texture.

Options for Commercialization

NASA Ames is currently seeking partnerships with industry to further develop TUFI utilities. Licensing options are available for the manufacture and distribution of TUFI. Toughened Uni-Piece Fibrous Insulation, developed by Leiser et al. was issued U.S. Patent # 5,079,082 on January 7, 1992.

Contact

NASA Ames Research Center
Commercial Technology Office
Mail Stop 202A-3
Moffett Field, CA 94035-1000
Phone: 650-604-0625

http://ctoserver.arc.nasa.gov:80/TechOpps/tufi.html

Key Words

High Temperature Insulation, Reaction Cured Glass (RCG), Reusable Surface Insulation (RSI), Thermal Protection,
Toughened Uni-Piece Fibrous Insulation (TUFI).