Effect of carbon fabric type on properties of 2D carbon–carbon composites processed by liquid pitch impregnation–pyrolysis

Abstract

The present study reports on the microstructural, physical, thermal and mechanical properties of two types (A and B) of carbon-carbon composites processed by an economical route. Skeleton composites were first made by pyrolysing laminated carbon fibre-reinforced phenolic composites and subsequently densified by liquid pitch impregnation-pyrolysis process. Both types of composite employed polyacrylonitrile-based 8-harness satin woven carbon fabrics, Type A being woven with tows of continuous fibres, whereas Type B used yarns of discontinuous fibres. Experimental results indicated that the Type A composite had better flexural and tensile modulus and strength values. However, the Type B composite had better interlaminar shear strength and through-thickness thermal conductivity, despite being less dense. These results are discussed and explained from microstructural and fractographic analysis using optical and scanning electron microscopes. Finally, the results were compared with those intended for similar applications.

Enhanced electrical, mechanical, and viscoelastic properties of carbon-carbon composites using carbon nanotubes coated carbon textile as reinforcement

“…The properties of CCCs are governed by the various factors such as type of the CF, carbon matrix precursor, fiber-matrix interface bonding,9–12 and also processing parameters such as carbonization rate,13,14 pressure,14 heat treatment temperature,15,16 the catalyst used17 densification rate 18. The failure of the composite structure is a very complex process which may be caused due to formation and propagation of micro-cracks, defects, delamination, fiber fracture, fiber-matrix interfacial de-bonding, etc.…”

“…These processes take a very long time and require technical expertness and money, which restricts the application of CCCs primarily in the aerospace and defence industries. [3][4][5][6][7][8] The properties of CCCs are governed by the various factors such as type of the CF, carbon matrix precursor, fiber-matrix interface bonding, [9][10][11][12] and also processing parameters such as carbonization rate, 13,14 pressure, 14 heat treatment temperature, 15,16 the catalyst used 17 densification rate. 18 The failure of the composite structure is a very complex process which may be caused due to formation and propagation of micro-cracks, defects, delamination, fiber fracture, fiber-matrix interfacial de-bonding, etc.. [16][17][18][19] Therefore, various efforts have been made to expand the applications of CCCs by enhancement of properties & performance and reducing the processing time and cost of the CCCs derived from PMCs such as reduction of porosity, shrinkage, the formation of thermally induced micro-cracks during carbonization process either by matrix modification method or by reinforcement modification method.…”