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Monitoring unidirectional carbon/carbon composite processing by light microscopy
E. Casal1, M. Granda, J. Bermejo
1Instituto Nacional del Carbón, CSIC, La Corredoria s/n, Apartado 73, 33080 Oviedo, Spain.
Journal of Microscopy
|February 24, 2001
Summary
Optimizing carbon/carbon composite manufacturing involves controlling pressure and temperature during pitch solidification. A 10-hour soak time significantly reduces porosity in these advanced materials.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Composite Materials
- Carbon-Carbon Composites
Background:
- Carbon/carbon composites offer excellent high-temperature performance.
- Manufacturing processes influence composite microstructure and properties.
- Controlling porosity is crucial for mechanical integrity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the preparation of unidirectional carbon/carbon composites.
- To determine the effect of process parameters on composite microstructure.
- To optimize manufacturing for reduced porosity.
Main Methods:
- Utilized polyacrylonitrile-based carbon fibers and coal-tar pitch.
- Employed a three-step process: prepreging, moulding/pressing, and carbonization to 1000°C.
- Monitored microstructure and porosity using light microscopy.
Main Results:
- Applying 1 MPa pressure near pitch solidification temperature yielded lower porosity.
- A 10-hour soak time at the applied pressure temperature significantly reduced composite porosity.
- Process parameters like pressure and soak time critically affect microstructure.
Conclusions:
- Manufacturing parameters, specifically pressure and soak time during pitch solidification, are key to controlling porosity in carbon/carbon composites.
- Optimized processing conditions lead to enhanced material properties.
- This study provides insights for fabricating high-performance carbon/carbon composites.