To enhance the ablation performance and mechanical strength of silicone rubber (SR), pristine multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) were dispersed in the polymer matrix using dispersion kneader and two roller mixing mill. Electrical resistivity (100–300°C) was reduced with increasing filler concentration in the host matrix due to the presence and even dispersion of the nanofiller in the rubber matrix. The SR nanocomposite (1 wt % filler contents) has 28% better thermal stability and 100% improvement in the ultimate tensile strength is achieved as compared with the pristine polymer matrix counterpart. Oxy‐acetylene torch was used to evaluate the ablation rates, % char yield, and backface temperature evolution at the back facet of nanoablators during the flame exposure for a specific duration. Ablation performance of the fabricated ablative nanocomposites was enhanced with increasing nanotubes concentration in the polymer matrix. Thermal stability and heat quenching ability of the SR nanocomposites were gradually augmented with increasing filler loadings in the host matrix. Porous silica char, polymer pyrolysis, char composition, and uniform dispersion of MWNTs in the rubber matrix were also analyzed using scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive spectroscopy. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013

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Pristine multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) along with the silane coupling agent were incorporated into ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) rubber using dispersion kneader and two roller mixing mill to fabricate ablative nanocomposites used in hyperthermal environment encountered by space vehicle or rocket motor. The 1 wt% addition of MWCNTS in the rubber matrix has remarkably reduced the backface temperature elevation up to 40°C during the ablation testing of the ablatives. The linear and mass ablation resistances have been diminished up to 125% and 74%, respectively, while insulation indexes at 110°C backface temperature of the composite specimens have been elevated up to 51% with increasing the MWCNTS incorporation into the EPDM matrix. Thermal stability and heat absorbance capability of the polymer composites were progressed with increasing the filler to matrix ratio. Thermal conductivity/impedance of the ablatives have been conducted according to the ASTM E1225‐99 and D5470‐03, respectively to execute the effect of MWCNTs concentration on the thermal transport characteristics of the tested specimens. Tensile strength of the composite specimen was augmented up to 42% with increasing nanotubes to polymer ratio. Evenly dispersed MWCNTs in the polymer matrix, polymer pyrolysis, and voids formation in the ablated samples can be scrutinized in the scanning electron microscopy images. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 54:255–263, 2014. © 2013 Society of Plastics Engineers