UNIT – V

ADVANCES IN COMPOSITES
“Carbon / Carbon Composites”

- B. Anand Ronald
 C/ C composites – Have Carbon Fiber as reinforcement
and Carbon (Graphite) as matrix. Combination of high
strength Carbon fibre and inert carbon matrix give an
unique material.

 ADVANTAGES OF C/ C Composite:
1) Carbon fibres impart high strength and impact
resistance to carbon matrix. Impact strength of C/ C
composite is about 10 times that of carbon matrix alone.
2) Conventional C/ C composites have specific strength of
about 2/3 of refractory super alloys (Eg. Inco 718) at
moderate temperatures. But strength of C/ C composite
increases with temperature increase, while strength of
metal alloys drops off rapidly with temperature increase.
C/ C composite have capability to withstand high
temperature in inert environment.
3) Certain grades of C/ C composites (having UD carbon
fiber tapes between cloth plies) are stronger than
superalloys even @ room temperature.
UNIQUE PROPERTIES OF CARBON MATRIX:

 It remains solid @ higher temperatures than any

other material
 Its sublimation point at atmospheric pressure is
above 3600C and its strength increases with
temperature upto this point.
 It resists radiations, has high thermal emissivity
and excellent high temperature dimensional
stability.
 Carbon is exceptionally inert to chemicals and
reacts only at high temperatures with H2, O2, S, Cl2
and F2.
 It is self lubricating (because of graphite).
LIMITATIONS OF C/ C Composites:

 C/ C composites can withstand higher temperature

than other materials, but in OXIDIXING Atmosphere,
it oxidizes at much lower temperatures.
 In metals, that withstand high temperatures a tough
oxide coating is formed on the surface in oxidizing
atmosphere. This oxide layer prevents oxygen from
entering into the material and prevents further
oxidation. Carbon does not have this ability (as
oxidation products are gases – CO, CO2). Therefore it
must be protected from oxidation using coatings and
impregnates that block O2 from penetrating.
 The process of making C/ C composites is costly and
time consuming.
 Unlike other ceramics, carbon powder is non
sinterable and therefore cannot be processed by
conventional process (Pressing/ Sintering)
 Carbon-carbon composites
 applications in
 aircraft and F1 braking
 rocket motor nozzle throats and exit cones
 nosetips/leading edges
 Re-entry thermal protection systems
 Heat Shield and Nozzle for Rockets and Missiles
 Bolts and nuts for graphite refractory lining
 Gas Turbine engine nozzles

NOTE:
• For CVD technique refer Chawla
• For Sol – gel , refer my PPT
FABRICATION OF C/ C composites
Carbon - carbon exit cones for rocket motors
- Snecma Propulsion Solide