Potential of Carbon/Carbon Composites as Structural Materials

Abstract

The beginning of Carbon/Carbon composites was replacing fine grained graphite as nose tips in rockets 20 years ago. The erosion and thermoshock behaviour was improved significantly. Therefore this type of carbon material has been identified as most suitable for the application in rocket nozzles, exit cones, wing leading edges and nose cap of the shuttle, as well as break discs and liners of aircrafts. An increasing emphasis originates by the material needs for future generation hypersonic aircrafts and aeropropulsion systems like gasturbines. The interest is based on the unique properties: retaining specific strength and modulus at high temperatures and high damage tolerance. Beside the special defense, aircraft and spacecraft applications also in civil market segments a steady increasing interest arises. Carbon/carbon composites are regarded nowadays as logical addition to the members of fine grained carbons and graphites. They are introduced in such fields, where at high temperatures especially the high specific strength and stiffness in combination with the thermoshock behaviour, the chemical resistance and the fracture toughness are needed.