A microstructural study of carbon fibers for thermal management and space applications

Abstract

X‐ray diffraction and electron microscopy were used to examine the microstructure of several state‐of‐the‐art high‐modulus space carbon fibers; such as AMOCO’s K‐1100, P‐100, and P‐120 and Nippon’s XN‐70A. The microstructures of these fibers are compared with other pitch‐based carbon fibers and to the fibers’ mechanical and thermal properties. Correlations are made in an attempt to guide future fiber development and identify necessary fiber property compromises for structural and thermal management applications.