Processability, Thermal, Mechanical, and Morphological Properties of Novolac Type-Epoxy Resin-Based Carbon-Carbon Composite

Abstract

The objectives of this study are to investigate the feasibility of utilizing novolac type-epoxy resin to prepare carbon-carbon(C-C) composite and to study the properties of the composite. Different postcuring times, temperatures, and carbonization heat treatment temperatures were used to treat the novolac type-epoxy resin. The changes in the thermal, physical, and mechanical properties during the carbonization processing are also investigated. The results show that the matrix cured at a higher postcuring time and temperature possesses a significant weight loss on the postcure process and limits the weight loss on carbonization processing. Increasing the postcure time and temperature will improve the mechanical properties of composite after carbonization, however, higher postcure time and temperature will cause additional matrix and fabric damage. In the carbonization process, the mechanical properties and density of C-C composite decrease rapidly after 400 C. When heat treatment temperature is increased to 800 C, mechanical properties and density of composite will remain constant and then increase slightly.