T-B-S Phenolic Aerogel

Ablation to EMI shielding

A triple-network aerogel composite that transforms in situ into a porous carbon aerogel after 1300°C flame ablation, combining elasticity, thermal protection, and efficient EMI shielding.

Yu, Guan · Cong-Ke, Gu · Guofang, Qiu · Jiaxin, Wu · Xizheng, Lian · Wang, Xin · Fei, Bin · Wang, Wei · Zhang, Diangtang · Guo, Wenwen

Advanced Functional Materials 2026

Specifications

EMI shielding effectiveness

{'zh': '92.8', 'en': '92.8'} dB

Linear ablation rate

{'zh': '0.00279', 'en': '0.00279'} mm/s

Compressive strength

{'zh': '1.97', 'en': '1.97'} MPa

Elastic recovery

{'zh': '92', 'en': '92'} %

Density

{'zh': '0.204', 'en': '0.204'} g/cm³

Strength after ablation

{'zh': '8.62', 'en': '8.62'} MPa

Advantages

Combines elasticity and strength

The triple cross-linked interpenetrating network overcomes the strength–elasticity trade-off, achieving >92% recovery at 50% strain with a strength of 1.97 MPa.

Remains robust after ablation

The porous carbon aerogel formed after ablation retains a strength of 8.62 MPa and 94.7% elastic recovery at 40% strain.

Ablation triggers shielding

In situ ceramic transformation upon ablation yields a porous carbon aerogel providing 92.8 dB EMI shielding in the X-band, integrating thermal protection and EMI shielding.

Applications

• Spacecraft thermal protection：Maintains structural integrity with 0.00279 mm/s ablation rate under 1300°C flame.
• EMI shielding materials：In situ formed carbon aerogel after ablation provides 92.8 dB X-band shielding.
• Deep space probes：Integrates thermal protection and EMI shielding for extreme thermo-electromagnetic environments.
• Aerospace elastic materials：Elastic recovery >92% at 50% strain with 1.97 MPa strength.
• Aerogel applications：Ultralow density 0.204 g/cm³ for multifunctional spacecraft.