IMPROVING VAPOR-GROWN CARBON-FIBERS STRENGTH BY ADDITION OF ACETYLENETO THE PRECURSOR ATMOSPHERE

Vapour Grown Carbon Fibres (VGCFs) prepared through the addition of di fferent percentages of C2H2 to the starting CH4-H-2 mixture are studie d. The fibres exhibit better mechanical properties than those created using CH4 as a single carbon supplier. The slightly endothermic nature of the CH4-H-2-C2H2 reaction, near the thermodynamic equilibrium, avo ids the massive pyrolytic deposition of carbon. As a consequence the c rystalline quality and mechanical properties are improved.