Research status and prospect on nanotube/nanowire multi-scale-reinforced C/C composites

Abstract

Carbon/carbon (C/C) composite has become a good candidate as an ultra-high temperature structural material for thermal structure in aerospace and other fields due to its low density and high temperature mechanical properties. However, conventional C/C composites cannot meet the application requirements of sharp thin-wall structure, because the pyrolytic carbon matrix is brittle and the single micron carbon fiber cannot effectively enhance the sharp thin-walled area. This paper reviews the preparation methods of nanotube/nanowire reinforced C/C composites and their effects on the structure and properties of the composites. The development status of introducing carbon nanotubes (CNTs), silicon carbide nanowires (SiCNWs) and hafnium carbide nanowires (HfCNWs) on the mechanical and ablative properties of C/C composites, as well as the toughening mechanism and ablation resistance mechanism of the composites are summarized. In view of the shortcomings of the composition, method and single test performance of the nano-reinforced material introduced at present, it is proposed to further improve and innovate the process technology on the base of these studies, and conduct reasonable component and structure design, so as to deeply study the high temperature mechanical properties and toughening mechanism of multi-scale toughened C/C composites.