AETB-Cx Materials
Commercial variants of NASA's heritage Alumina-Enhanced Thermal Barrier (AETB) technology, "Shuttle Tile" materials tailorable for a wide variety of solutions
Solutions
%20(1)%20(2)%20(1).webp)
Specialized Coatings
TUFI and RCG coatings for enhanced durability and performance
Additively Manufactured Thermal Materials
Complex geometries with optimized thermal properties
Autonomous Robotic Coating Application
Precision application of protective layers
.webp)
Benefits
The Canopy A&D Advantage
With the end of the NASA Space Shuttle program, manufacturing capability for many key components diminished or disappeared entirely. Refractory insulating tiles, known to ceramic engineers as "shuttle tiles," were casualties of this situation. Canopy A&D has secured the domestic supply chain for these critical materials, making them available to both the commercial space market and US Department of Defense.
Shuttle tiles were designed by NASA to withstand over 100 launch cycles. Though none reached that milestone due to the program's premature conclusion, they were successfully reused for dozens of missions. Canopy A&D's specialized coatings dramatically extend these capabilities:
TUFI
(Toughened Unipiece Fibrous Insulation) provides substantial durability improvements
RCG
(Reaction Cured Glass) increases emissivity and heat sink properties
AETB-Cx Reusable Ceramic
AETB-Cx Reusable Ceramic TPS Materials
AETB-Cx is a lightweight, rigid ceramic material reinforced with aligned alumina fibers for strength and tailored thermal conductivity. It's designed for re-entry temperatures exceeding 2000°F with components made from oxide-based ceramics that are fully stable in mission environments, exhibiting no off-gassing and no reactivity.
C8 and C12 are designated based on 8 and 12 lb/ft2 density, but these materials can also be tailored for custom applications.
Standard Material Options:
AETB-C8
Ideal for moderate heat flux environments, balancing thermal protection with weight efficiency
AETB-C12
Designed for high stress and impact-prone zones, offering enhanced mechanical durability with customizable coatings
Material Structure:
AETB-Cx is a rigid, fully-sintered low-density ceramic material with an anisotropic structure. Primary constituents are silica and alumina ceramic fibers organized into a structured matrix during processing. The material exhibits a near-zero Poisson's ratio, minimizing dimensional changes under thermal stress.
Additive Ceramics
Additive Ceramics for Thermal Management
Canopy is pioneering the integration of additive manufacturing with high-performance ceramics specifically for TPS applications. Our innovative approach delivers unprecedented design freedom, performance optimization, and rapid production capabilities.
%2520-%2520Edited-p-3200.webp)
Advantage
The Additive Advantage for TPS
Complex Internal Geometries
Optimized thermal management through intricate internal channels and structures
Tailored Thermal Properties
Gradient structures with varying densities for optimized heat dispersion
Rapid Iteration
Quick design-test-refine cycles for aerospace programs
Weight Reduction
Optimized lattice structures that maintain thermal performance while reducing mass
Part Consolidation
Simplified assembly by combining multiple components
Process
Additive Manufacturing Process for TPS Components
Our end-to-end process ensures quality, reliability, and quick turnaround:
01
Enhanced Design
Thermal simulation and topology optimization for ideal heat management
02
Material Selection
Custom material formulations for specific mission requirements
03
Precision Printing
Binder-jet, SLA or DLP ceramic printing available for some materials. ITAR and CUI compliant.
04
Controlled Sintering
Specialized thermal processing for optimal density and structural integrity
05
Surface Finishing
Precision machining and surface preparation for coating application
06
Robotic Coating Application
Autonomous application of protective coatings
07
Qualification Testing
Rigorous thermal, mechanical, and environmental testing
Advanced Coatings
TUFI (Toughened Unipiece Fibrous Insulation)
- Increases impact resistance and surface durability
- Penetrates the surface layer to create an integrated protection system
- Maintains thermal performance while enhancing mechanical properties
RCG (Reaction Cured Glass)
- High emissivity (>0.9) surface treatment
- Enhances radiative heat rejection
- Provides waterproofing and oxidation protection
- Creates a durable outer barrier against environmental factors