Lightweight, Hypersonic, Thermal Protection Material

State-of-the-art high-temperature shielding materials are not flexible; however, a new technology forms the structurally robust, thermally stable boron nitride nanotube (BNNT) into a low-weight, flexible mat. BNNT advancements are highly sought after because they are as strong as carbon nanotubes but with a much higher resistance to heat, high voltage, and neutron radiation. The flexible BNNT mat can provide temperature protection up to 1300 °C with density of 200-400 kg/m 3.