CARBON-CARBON COMPOSITES PREPARED BY A RAPID DENSIFICATION PROCESS I - SYNTHESIS AND PHYSICOCHEMICAL DATA

A new process for the rapid densification (1.5-2 mm h(-1) at 1000 degr ees C for a carbon felt) of carbon porous preforms is described and ph ysico-chemical data are given: density, porosity, and kinetics. The re inforcements chosen in this study are a Le Carbone Lorraine(R) rayon b ased felt (RVC 2000) and two types of PAN based carbon fibers (T 300 t ype and AS 4 Courtaulds). The composites are processed with cyclohexan e as a precursor in the 900-1350 degrees C temperature range. The reas ons for rapid densification by this peculiar process are discussed con sidering the thermal gradient which exists within the preform. (C) 199 7 Elsevier Science Ltd.