Effect of hybrid reinforcement of carbon fiber and stable particles on pitch based carbon carbon composites

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Carbon matrix carbon (c/c) composites were investigated to study the effect of incorporating stable particulate reinforcement along with chopped carbon fibers to check the effect of hybrid reinforcement. Robust c/c composites were fabricated by isotropic petroleum pitch matrix in single-step carbonization without re-impregnation process. Dense and rigid composites with density ranging from 1.65–1.75 g cm−3 were developed. Distinctive properties comprising coefficient of friction, coefficient of thermal expansion, high temperature dimensional and weight stability, shrinkage, hardness, weight loss, breaking energy and compressive strength were assessed and compared with the reference c/c composite. Secondary stable additives such as silicon carbide, molybdenum di-silicide, graphite, CNT, fly ash and alumina were added 5% by weight in the composites. Specimens containing advanced ceramic particles showed appreciable improvement in hardness, thermal, and mechanical response while composites with fly ash and graphite addition showed the converse effects. From the research, we were able to alter the properties and tailor them according to the application such as compression and friction coefficient was improved to have application in brake discs for automobiles. Also, the thermal shielding has been improved by incorporating thermally dormant material such as fly ash and Incorporation of hard and stable reinforcement has brought about noticeable changes consequently hybrid reinforcement improved the overall performance of the material even after ablation in oxy-acetylene flames.