INFLUENCE OF MATRIX PRECURSORS ON THE MICROSTRUCTURE AND MECHANICAL-PROPERTIES OF C C COMPOSITES/

The microstructure and properties of uni-directional pitch-based carbo n-carbon composites are explained in terms of the chemical composition of pitch precursors, Pitches are characterized by standard procedures (elemental analysis, softening point and solubility tests), extrograp hy which is a simple and rapid silica gel adsorption chromatographic t echnique, Fourier transform infra-red and gas chromatography of the to luene-soluble fraction. Pitch pyrolysis behaviour is monitored by hot- stage microscopy. The main microstructural features of uni-directional composites from pitches and commercial PAN-based carbon fibres are de termined by light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy.