Prediction of material properties by 2-D numerical simulation of carbonization process of carbon–carbon composites

Abstract

The degradation of polymer matrix composite material during carbonization and the processing temperature are some important deciding factors to evaluate the performance of carbon-carbon composite (CC) for the targeted applications. In present study, the carbonization of material at the temperature range of 1200-1500 °C is considered as a critical step for understanding the material performance, as it is essential for the progress in the processing of CCs. The heat, mass and momentum transport equations are used with weight loss kinetics to develop a numerical simulation model for the carbonization process. Afterward, to solve the governing equations, a 2-D finite difference method (FDM) is employed. Using material properties, the developed numerical model predicts the distribution of pressure, porosity, density, specific heat, thermal conductivity as a function of surface temperature for square samples of various thicknesses at different heating rates. The comparisons of the results of the 2-D model are carried out with results of 1-D FDM model published earlier.

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.…”