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In the fabrication of carbon-carbon composites by mesophase injection through a fiber preform, it is essential to stabilize the flow-induced microstructure in the flow channels and to prevent relaxation and exudation of the mesophase. Oxidation stabilization studies were conducted on preforms injected with the naphthalene-based AR mesophase pitch. Oxidation mass gain (OMG) curves at 170, 222, and 270°C were generated for 60°-wedges cut from full size composite disks. The rates of OMG at 170°C of first-and second-cycle injection wedges and full-size disks were comparable to those using as-spun filaments 30 lm in diameter, and particles sieved to 200 to 340 lm. The results suggest that oxygen is accessible deep into a mesophase matrix and the transport is facilitated by connected array of shrinkage cracks. Oxidation at 170°C has strong advantage over higher oxidation temperatures by having a higher carbon yield and lower OMG threshold and thus oxidation time required for stabilization. The 60°-wedges could be stabilized at 170°C after a 25 h oxidation with a 7.2% OMG and attaining a carbon yield above 85%.

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