AFOSR supported Erica Corral leads heat resistant ceramic coatings research

AFOSR supported research at the University of Arizona is investigating high temperature resistant ceramic coatings that will provide thermal protection for Air Force hypersonic flight vehicles. The research team, led by Dr. Erica Corral of the University of Arizona, is using advanced chemical synthesis and ceramic processing methods to process the ceramic compositions onto carbon composites, which are the materials used to fabricate lightweight and highstrength aerospace vehicles.

"The major steps in advancing this technology are based on relevant testing of the ceramic coatings under extreme temperature, heat flux and gaseous species environments,"said Dr. Corral.