Posts: 208
From: Scarsdale, NY, United States
Registered: Mar 2010

posted 05-01-2010 10:59 PM               

---

I am trying to learn about the composition of the Gemini ablative heatshield filler Dow Corning DC-325. So far I have not been able to find detailed information. Any leads on this? Thank you very much,

David Fox

Posts: 4437
From: Sierra Vista, Arizona
Registered: Nov 1999

posted 05-02-2010 12:19 AM               

---

Give pages 139-140 of Polymer Yearbook 14 a read... it provides a good retrospective on the formulation and characteristics of DC-325 (even if there are a few typos!)

------------------
Scott Schneeweis, LCDR, USN(Ret);
SPACEAHOLIC.com

Posts: 208
From: Scarsdale, NY, United States
Registered: Mar 2010

posted 05-02-2010 12:46 AM               

---

Thanks. This is helpful. Makes for an interesting read. Looks like they could use a better translation service (or editor): "Jeminy" and "Minitmen."

I am trying to determine if DC-325 was used alone or with fillers. What I have read about Avcoat is that it is a polymer resin with added fillers (phenolic microspheres and silica fibers). This article explains that the purpose of the fillers is to help it form a "stable coke like base." I have not read of this concept elsewhere.

The article does not state directly but seems to imply that such fillers were part of DC-325.