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Below is the matrix for samples used in this thermal test. All samples measured ~2" x 2" (with thickness depending on the sample), and there are three samples for each combination (for three trials). Each sample is labeled by "series" (1-9) with a hyphen, followed by the number of the trial. (so the nomenclature is series-trial number, for example: 4-2)

Fiberglass Sample Preparation:

1. Used West Systems epoxy to make 4 of 8" x 8" sheets of fiberglass (2 x 5 layers, 2 x 10 layers), making sure to put Mylar beneath to keep the samples from sticking. 
2. Let the samples cure for at least 24 hours. 
3. Sanded with a Dremel, then with 400-grit sandpaper. Make sure to sand the shiny side as well. 
4. Mark and cut into 1.5" x 1.5" squares using a Dremel
5. Recorded dry mass of each sample (series 1-9)
6. Took three measurements of thickness on three different sides, and calculated/recorded average thickness (series 1-9)
7. Wearing respirators, mixed 50 g. West Systems resin + 9 g West Systems hardener (100:18 ratio for West Systems, but this depends on the epoxy you choose to use)
8. Mixed in phenolic microballoons using a popsicle stick until a consistency slightly thinner than peanut butter (like melted ice cream) was reached.
9. Applied an even but thin layer of phenolic mixture to samples (series 4, 5, 8, 9) using popsicle sticks
10. Let samples cure for 36 hours.
11. Wipe samples with acetone to remove any dust or debris.
12. Recorded average thickness of samples with phenolic coating (series 4, 5, 8, 9)
13. Sanded with 400-grit sandpaper then recorded mass (and wiped with acetone)
14. Applied high-temp paint to fiberglass samples (series 6,7) and fiberglass + phenolic samples (series 8,9)
15. Let paint dry for at least 24 hours (depending on what paint you use)
16. Wipe samples with acetone to remove any dust or debris.
17. Record mass of each sample (series 6, 7, 8, 9)
18. Record average thickness of each sample (series 6, 7, 8, 9)

Below is the test matrix for the parameters measured during this test. (MAKE SUMMARY, ATTACH EXCEL FILE).

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Test Procedure:

1. Testing in blast chamber
2. Heat for approximately 12 seconds

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• Videotape each sample the entire length of the test (in case anything interesting happens after the blowtorch is extinguished, for example)
• Bring an IR sensor to detect the flame temperature
• Attach the thermocouple more securely/consider a different method of attachment so it stays on the sample
• Have a camera on both sides of the sample
• Note the start time on the serial monitor (Arduino) to keep track of when the flame was turned on/off
• Increase the distance between the blowtorch and the sample (measure temperature of air vs. distance of thermocouple from blowtorch, and temperature of flame itself)
• When preparing the samples (fiberglass layup), use a flatter surface so that the average thickness is more consistent
• If testing high-temp paint, use more than one coat so that there is enough paint to show results
• Find some way of remote-triggering the blow torch for added safety
• Use a more accurate scale so that initial and final mass is more accurate
• When measuring thickness (for average thickness calculation), be consistent when choosing points to measure on the sample, and take more than three measurements for a more accurate estimate
• Use thermocouple with thinner tip for more accuracy

Test #2: 

Final Results:

Below is a table showing the results of the thermal tests.