Matching the volume shrinkage of organic fibers to that of the resin matrix in carbon or graphite composites

Abstract

Abstract Organic fibers are partially carbonized to match their volume shrinkage upon complete carbonization to that of the resin matrix. Improved carbonized composite parts are manufactured with high reliability and low failure rates despite high adhesion between initially partially carbonized fiber surfaces and encompassing matrix resins during temperature cycling occurring in processing. Partially carbonized fibers having active surface components are firmly adhered to matrices comprising flexible but self-supporting thermosetting resin materials of carbonizable character. A composite part of complex shape and thin wall sections may be formed from these materials by molding under pressure and temperature. The flexible characteristic of the resin is maintained through the molding phase and permits differential shrinkage to occur without fabric-resin separation. The molded part is however self supporting and the resin matrix may thereafter be partially carbonized at an appropriate temperature level. Following this the entire part may be graphitized at an elevated temperature in an inert atmosphere, followed by infiltration and reimpregnation if desired.

Inventors

• 👤 R Shaffer

Bibliographic Details