C/C composites are the emerging materials of choice for aero-engine hot-end components that will bear impact loading in thermal-oxidizing environments. For the components run for extended periods, the safe operation of components depends on how to evaluate damages under a dynamic load. In this study, Charpy impact tests at a temperature range of 25 to 1 200 were carried out on C/C composites to verify the effects of temperature induced thermal expansion and oxidation on their impact performance. Below 800 , oxidation was negligible and composites expanding played a leading role, resulting in the remarkable increase in fi ber/ matrix interface strength and impact energy. However, when the temperature was above 800 , the release of CO or CO 2 due to oxidation resulted in a lower impact energy.